The Government has temporarily extended the self-certification of sickness from 7 to 28 days.
This change has been introduced in a bid to ‘free up’ GP’s time; allowing greater uptake to the vaccine booster programme.
Previously, employees would be required to prove their sickness via a medical note obtained from a GP, after 7 days. Now employees will not have to obtain a note for 28 days, and can claim Statutory Sick Pay should they meet the other qualifying conditions. The changes come into effect today and are valid for any sickness leave commencing 10th December 2021.
The temporary period is set to end 26th January 2022 – any absences which start on or after the 27th January 2022 will be subject to the previous 7 day rule.
Full details on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/employers-sick-pay/notice-and-fit-notes