Sick Leave from Work: a private doctor's letter for your job
For employees aged 18 and over, in any job, when your employer asks for evidence. A UK GMC-registered doctor reviews your online questionnaire the same day.
From £32.99 per letter. Full refund if no letter is issued.
Example: a work week with Friday's "send HR evidence" circled and a Sick Leave from Work note clipped on.
March
Week 10 · example
- Mon 3Shift 9–5
- Tue 4Shift 9–5
- Wed 5Team meeting 10:00
- Thu 6Shift 9–5
- Fri 7Send HR evidence
- Sat 8
- Sun 9
Your employer decides whether to accept itEmployers can usually ask for evidence from day 8
Doctor's note
- Sick Leave from Work
- Covers 3 to 7 March
- Reviewed by a UK GMC-registered doctor
Who it's for
- Employees aged 18 and over, in any job
- Full-time and part-time staff
- Apprentices whose employer asks for medical evidence
- Sick leave where your employer asks for evidence
What the letter states
- The sick leave dates the doctor considers appropriate
- That a UK GMC-registered doctor reviewed your request
- The reviewing doctor's signature
- How your employer can check it: drsick.co.uk/verify (opens Dr Sick's website)
What it can't do
Your employer decides whether to accept it, and it isn't an NHS fit note. It can't cover more than 6 weeks, and a faster speed doesn't change the doctor's decision.
Rules and limits
- Days 1 to 7
- Employees can usually self-certify without medical evidence.
- Day 8 onwards
- Your employer can ask for medical evidence. A private doctor's letter is one option, if your policy accepts it.
- Up to 6 weeks
- One letter covers at most 6 weeks. For longer absences, see your GP.
- Adjusted duties
- Need a phased return or altered duties instead? Choose Adjustments to Work Duties in the form.
Prices, by how soon you need the letter
| Speed | Delivered within | Order window | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72 hours | Delivery: 72 hours | — | £32.99 |
| 48 hours | Delivery: 48 hours | — | £39.99 |
| 24 hours | Delivery: 24 hours | — | deadline tomorrow?£44.99 |
| Same day | Delivery: Before midnight | Order window: Submit by 6pm | £54.99 |
| 4-hour urgent | Delivery: 4 hours | Order window: 6am to 10pm | £64.99 |
| 2-hour urgent | Delivery: 2 hours | Order window: 6am to 10pm | £79.99 |
Express Subscription, £29.99 a month: up to 2 same-day letters a month, with a 3-month minimum term. Subject to our terms; details are sent by email after payment. Questions about cancelling: contact us.
The doctor decides and may decline. If no letter is issued, you get a full refund to your original payment method within 3 to 5 working days.
Questions about this letter
All questions →- Will my employer accept a private doctor's letter?
- Employers set their own evidence rules. Some accept a signed letter from a registered doctor; others ask for an NHS fit note. Check your sickness policy or ask your manager before you order.
- When does my employer need evidence?
- Employees can usually self-certify for the first 7 days. From day 8, your employer can ask for medical evidence. Your contract or sickness policy has the details.
- Is this the same as an NHS fit note?
- No. It is a private doctor's letter, not an NHS fit note, and it is not a GP appointment. Your employer decides which evidence it accepts.
- What dates can it cover?
- The doctor decides which dates, if any, the letter covers, based on your answers. One letter covers up to 6 weeks. For longer absences, see your GP.
- Can my employer check the letter is genuine?
- Yes. Your manager or HR can check it on Dr Sick's website at drsick.co.uk/verify (opens Dr Sick's website). Dr Sick operates DoctorNote.
- What if the doctor can't issue a letter?
- The doctor may decline. If no letter is issued, you get a full refund to your original payment method within 3 to 5 working days.
Check your sickness policy, then start the questionnaire.
Start your note