Students
You don’t always need to see a clinician
For short lived minor illnesses which coincide with assessment tasks, all students are allowed to self certify for 7 days or less. You can do this by obtaining a personal sick note (self certification form) from the reception at the Health Centre and complete it yourself.
If an assessment contributes 10% or less of the module credit, a self certification completed by yourself should be submitted within 3 days of returning to University after the illness.
You need to see a clinician
When you have an illness that prevents attendance at a major exam or prevents you submitting an assignment that constitutes at least 10% of the module mark
Or
You have a major or prolonged illness lasting more than 7 days.
Please ask for an appointment with a Nurse Practitioner if you need a certificate.
Please note there is a £20 charge for a certificate
Employees
The DWP has issued strict guidelines for doctors to follow when issuing Fitness for Work notes (formerly known as ‘sick notes’).
If the illness is:
- Less than 3 days: your employer should not require a Fitness for Work note
- Between 3 and 7 days: you should hand your employer a “self certificate” (SC1). You do not need to see the doctor for this
- More than 7 days: You will need a Fitness for Work note and must see the doctor to get one. It is only at 7 days that you need a doctors’ note. If you require a note covering illness when you saw a different doctor (e.g. casualty) the doctor at the surgery must be in receipt of written evidence that you saw another doctor.
Fitness for Work notes needed before 7 days illness will incur a charge that should be borne by your employer.
Please visit the Department for Work and Pensions website for more information.