We issue 2 types of sick note:
May Be Fit for Work
This is the standard type of sick note. It is completely flexible, allowing you time to remain off work and then to build up to your normal work routine.
Its purpose is to help you and your employer to sit down and have a supportive discussion so that you can agree a back-to-work plan which is agreeable to both of you. Please see the guidance to employers.
Not Fit for Work
This note is only issued under the most exceptional of circumstances where the patient cannot do any work whatsoever. For example, for the first few days only after a major operation or a life-threatening illness. Your doctor is professionally accountable for justifying usage of this category of fit note.
We typically only issue one of two of these types of note per year.