NHS Self-Certification Form : A Comprehensive Guide

 The National Health Service (NHS) provides a self-certification form for employees who need to take time off work due to illness or injury. This form is used to notify the employer of the employee's absence and is a legal requirement under UK law. In this article, we will explore what a self-certification form is, how to obtain it, its requirements, why it is used, where to submit it, and the benefits of using it. We will also address some common questions and concerns about the NHS self-certification form pdf.

1. What is a self-certification form?

A self-certification form is a document used to notify an employer of an employee's absence due to illness or injury. It is used to comply with UK law, which requires employees to provide a valid reason for their absence from work. The form is completed by the employee and is used as evidence of the absence. It can also be used to support an application for statutory sick pay (SSP).

2. How to get the self-certification sick form

The self-certification form is available online on the NHS website. You can download the form from the website and print it out. Alternatively, you can ask your employer for a copy of the form. If you are unable to access the internet or do not have access to a printer, you can visit your local Jobcentre Plus office, which should have copies of the form available.

3. What are the requirements for the self-certification form?

The self-certification form must be completed by the employee and submitted to the employer within the first seven days of absence. The form should include the employee's name, address, National Insurance number, and the dates of absence. It should also include details of the illness or injury that caused the absence, and a statement confirming that the employee was unable to work due to the illness or injury.

4. Why is the self-certification form used for?

The self-certification form is used to comply with UK law, which requires employees to provide a valid reason for their absence from work. The form is also used to support an application for statutory sick pay (SSP). SSP is paid to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury and who meet certain eligibility criteria. The self-certification form is used to provide evidence of the employee's absence and to confirm their eligibility for SSP.

5. Download NHS self certification form PDF

You can download the NHS self-certification form from the NHS website. The form is available in PDF format and can be printed out and completed by hand. Alternatively, you can use a PDF editor to fill in the form electronically and then print it out. Click here download NHS self certification form pdf

6. Where to submit the self-certification form?

The self-certification form should be submitted to the employee's employer. The employer should keep a record of the form and use it to support an application for statutory sick pay (SSP). If the employee is self-employed or unemployed, they do not need to complete a self-certification form.

7. Benefits of using the self-certification form

Using the self-certification form has several benefits. 

Firstly, it ensures that the employee complies with UK law, which requires employees to provide a valid reason for their absence from work. 

Secondly, it provides evidence of the employee's absence, which can be used to support an application for statutory sick pay (SSP). 

Thirdly, it can help to prevent disputes between employers and employees over the reasons for absence.

Common Questions and Concerns

Q: Do I need to see a doctor if I am off sick for less than seven days?

A: No, you do not need a doctor if you are off sick for less than seven days. However, you may need to provide evidence of your absence, such as a doctor's note, if your employer requests it.

Q: What if I cannot complete the self-certification form within the first seven days of absence?

A: If you are unable to complete the self-certification form within the first seven days of absence, you should inform your employer as soon as possible. You may need to provide a doctor's note or other evidence to support your absence.

Q: Can my employer refuse to accept a self-certification form?

A: No, your employer cannot refuse to accept a self-certification form. The form is a legal requirement under UK law, and employers are required to accept it as evidence of absence.

Q: What happens if I do not submit a self-certification form?

A: If you do not submit a self-certification form, your employer may not pay you statutory sick pay (SSP). You may also be subject to disciplinary action if your absence is not properly recorded and documented.

Q: Can I use the self-certification form for more than one absence?

A: Yes, you can use the self-certification form for multiple absences, as long as each absence is no longer than seven days.