GPs are not required to write fit note for four weeks.
Patients will not need to get a fit note until they have been off work for more than 28 days under temporary measures introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
This temporary change will be in place until 26th January 2022. This means that people will be able to self-certify for four weeks rather than being asked to get a note from their GP after one week.
Under the new legislation that commenced on Friday 17th December 2021, employers will not be able to ask for proof for workers to claim statutory sick pay until after 28 days have passed.
The DWP also confirmed that Fit notes will not be needed for benefit claims until 27th January 2022.
Anyone who started their sick leave before 10th December 2021, must give proof if they have been off work for more than seven days, including non-working days, the Government advice said.
If employees are self-isolating and cannot work because of Covid-19 they can get an ‘isolation note’ online from NHS 111, as before.