It is not necessary for your GP to issue a certificate for the first 7 days of your illness. Your employer should be able to give you a certificate for you to self certify for up to 7 days. If you are ill for more than 6 days you will need to see the GP for a Statement of Fitness to Work - this has replaced the old Med 3 and Med 5 Sick Note.

If you require a Statement from your GP regarding sickness for insurance purposes this will be done as a private certificate and this will incur a charge.