Employees can now self-certify sickness for up to 28 days (traditionally 7 days) but this is only a short term change. Employees will attend a GP for a ‘fit note’ if they have been ill for more than 28 days and have taken sick leave. This includes non-working days, such as weekends and bank holidays. For more information read it here.
But importantly, this change only applies to periods of sickness starting from 17 December 2021. It will also cover employees who became sick before 17 December but are not fit to return by that date. This change is intended as short-term measure and should cease on 26 January 2022. Anyone with an absence starting 27 January 2022 will revert to the 7 days default position.
If you are interested in the fuller detail of what is likely one of the shortest statutory instruments ever made, it is in the The Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) Regulations 2021.
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