For Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), where employees go off sick on or after 10 December 2021, employers can only ask employees for proof of sickness (such as a fit note) after 28 days of sickness (including non-working days). Proof of sickness cannot be requested earlier than 28 days.
Fit notes do not have to be provided for DWP benefit claims until 27 January. This will not affect claims to benefit.
These changes, announced by the DWP on 17 December 2021, are to give GPs more time to work on the Coronavirus (Covid-19) booster programme.
What does this mean for me?
If you are off sick on or after 10 December 2021, you can now self-certify for 28 days rather than the usual 7 days. Your employer cannot ask for medical proof of sickness before this 28 day period.
To self-certify, you will need to complete an SC2 which can be done easily online at the HMRC website.
What if I am self-isolating due to coronavirus?
You can still use the Isolation Note service to prove to your employer that you are isolating because of coronavirus.
23 December 2021