Do you go back to work the day your sick note expires?
Christopher Harper
Updated on April 28, 2026
.
In this way, do you go back to work on the day your sick note runs out?
You should go back to work as soon as you feel able to and with your employer's agreement - this may be before your fit note runs out. You do not need to go back to see your doctor before going back to work.
Beside above, how long does a sick note last? The rules here are clear. In the first six months of a condition, the fit note can cover a maximum of three months. After that, it can be any clinically appropriate period. Dates are inclusive, so a fit note from 1 to 2 January no longer applies from 3 January onwards.
Accordingly, can you go back to work if doctor has signed you off?
No. You do not need to see a GP again to be signed fit to go back to work. If a doctor wants to assess your fitness for work again, they will say this on your fit note. Some employers have their own policy that requires employees to obtain medical evidence that they are fit for work.
Can you ask your doctor to sign you off work?
If you're off work sick for more than 7 days, your employer will usually ask for a fit note (or Statement of Fitness for Work) from a GP or hospital doctor. Fit notes are sometimes referred to as medical statements or a doctor's note.
Related Question Answers