If you are off work sick for seven days or less your employer can ask for confirmation that you have been ill. You can do this by filling in a form yourself when you return to work. This is called self-certification. Your employer may provide you with a self-certificate form or they may use an SC2 form available form HM Revenue and customs. If your employer insists on a certificate from the doctor for absences of less than seven days then you will have to pay for it. For sickness absence lasting more than seven days you will need to contact your doctor who may require you to make an appointment.

You will find the following link very helpful in answering any queries that you may have about sickness absence and certification. "When do I need a fit note”