Common Mistakes People Make When Requesting a Sick Note

Getting signed off work should be straightforward, yet many people encounter unexpected problems when requesting a sick note from their doctor.

These issues often stem from misunderstandings about the process, poor timing, or simply not knowing what information to provide. Understanding these common pitfalls can save time, reduce stress, and ensure the documentation needed is obtained without complications.

Waiting Too Long Before Making Contact

One of the most frequent errors is leaving it until the last minute to arrange a sick note. Many employees don’t realise their employer needs this documentation by a specific deadline, often after seven days of absence. Scrambling to get an appointment when already overdue creates additional pressure during an already difficult time.

GPs typically need advance notice for appointments, and emergency slots rarely accommodate administrative requests. Those who wait until day six or seven of their illness may find themselves unable to secure a timely appointment, potentially causing issues with their employer or affecting sick pay entitlement. Planning ahead, even when unwell, prevents this entirely avoidable situation.

Providing Insufficient Information About Symptoms

Doctors cannot issue appropriate sick notes without understanding the full picture of someone’s condition. Yet patients frequently downplay symptoms, forget to mention key details, or assume the GP already knows everything from their medical records.

This incomplete information makes it difficult for the doctor to accurately assess fitness for work. Being vague about how symptoms affect daily activities and work capacity is particularly problematic.

A sick note must specify whether someone is unfit for work or may be fit with adjustments, but this determination requires honest, detailed information. For instance, saying “I’m not feeling well” provides far less useful information than explaining specific symptoms, such as severe dizziness, difficulty concentrating, or physical restrictions that prevent regular duties.

Misunderstanding What Sick Notes Actually Cover

Confusion about what sick notes can and cannot do leads to unrealistic expectations. Some people believe their GP will automatically provide whatever time off they request, whilst others don’t realise they can discuss reasonable adjustments that might allow a return to work with changes.

Sick notes are medical assessments, not personal preferences. A doctor won’t sign someone off work simply because they want time off or are having difficulties with colleagues. The certification must be based on a genuine medical need. Those with legitimate health concerns sometimes don’t advocate strongly enough for the time they need to recover properly.

The rise of digital healthcare has introduced new options, and requesting an online sick note can be efficient when used appropriately. However, some people mistakenly believe online services will be more lenient than face-to-face consultations, or that they can bypass proper medical assessment altogether. Legitimate online services still require thorough consultation and appropriate medical justification.

Failing to Discuss Return-to-Work Options

Many people approach sick note requests as a binary choice between full-time work and complete absence. This overlooks the “may be fit for work” option, which allows for phased returns, reduced hours, or modified duties. These arrangements can benefit both the employee and the employer, yet they’re often not discussed because patients don’t raise the issue.

Doctors can’t suggest workplace adjustments without understanding someone’s job requirements and work environment. Coming to the appointment with information about typical duties, physical demands, and any flexibility the employer might offer enables a more productive conversation about realistic options.

Not Following Up Appropriately

Sick notes have specific durations, and letting them expire without arranging follow-up is a common mistake. Someone might assume they can just stay off work until they feel better, not realising their documentation has run out. This can create problems with employers and potentially affect pay.

If health has improved enough to work, the sick note should be ended formally. If the condition has worsened and more time is needed, proactive communication with the GP is required before the current note expires.

Requesting Notes for Minor Short-Term Illnesses

Self-certification exists for a reason, yet some people request GP appointments for sick notes when they’re not actually required. The first seven days of illness can be self-certified in most workplaces, meaning no doctor’s note is needed. Using GP time unnecessarily for these brief absences wastes resources and makes it harder for others to get appointments when genuinely needed.

Checking workplace policy before requesting medical certification prevents this mistake. Some employers have more generous self-certification periods, whilst others require additional documentation in specific circumstances. Knowing these requirements avoids inappropriate requests.

Assuming All Doctors Will Agree

Some people become frustrated when a GP won’t provide the sick note they expected. This might happen because the medical evidence doesn’t support the requested time off, or because the doctor believes a return to work with adjustments is more appropriate.

Understanding that sick notes are medical judgements, not entitlements, helps manage expectations. If disagreeing with a doctor’s assessment, the appropriate response is discussing concerns during the appointment rather than simply demanding different documentation. Explaining why the suggested approach won’t work, providing additional information about symptoms, or requesting a second opinion are all more constructive than arguing.

Getting a sick note doesn’t need to be complicated, but avoiding these common mistakes makes the process considerably smoother