Under current legislation a patient ‘self certificate’ is used for the first six working days.

The self certificate (form SC2) is available from your employer or the Post Office. After the first week, certificates may be obtained at consultation with your doctor. Some employers insist on sickness certificates lasting less than seven days. As this is not a statutory requirement, a charge will be made for issuing a certificate under seven days.

• Click here to download the LMC guidance on sickness certification.