how many sick days until doctors note?

[E21_Ross]

colleague at work not getting paid for 4days off sick because they can't produce doctors note. the boss is saying it's 3days or more, but i always thought it was 5days until you have to produce a note, by law?

anyone know?

cheers,

Ross.

[The_Doc]

first 5 days off work are "self-certification" teritory, after this you need a doctors note.

whether you're boss enforces this is another matter entirely...

[siscar]

There are two different things here:

For periods of less than 7 days (including weekends) the employer cannot ask for a doctor's note.

However:

Unless otherwise stated in an employment contract there is no entitlement to be paid when off sick. The only pay is Statutory Sick Pay, which is not paid for the first three days.

So the employer is wrong to insist on a doctor's note after 3 days but with or without a doctor's note there is no entitlement to be paid other than SSP unless the contract says otherwise.

[dgb00]

"Doctors' notes" are Med3 certificates, and are only given after 7 days.

If your employer insists on a sick note, a doctor can write a letter or private sick certificate. There is a charge for this as it is not an NHS practice. We used to advise that since the employer was so desperate for it, they could pay for it. That usually stopped a few.

[E21_Ross]

i need to look up the contract, but i'm pretty sure it says 5days will be paid...! it's interesting the boss is saying that he wants a note. i'm not going to say anything to the boss as it's not really my place. but i will be saying something to my mate if he wants 4days more pay if he thinks it's worth the hassle!!

any more thoughts guys?