Period of sickness of one to three days – you do not need a certificate. For periods of four to six days – your employer may require you to complete a Self-certification Form SC2 which is available from your employer or the DSS. If your employer insists on a sickness certificate for this period there will be a charge which should be paid by your employer.
For illness longer than six days – you will need to see a doctor for them to issue a sickness certificate and you may need to see them for any subsequent renewal of the certificate. The only exceptions to this may be after hospital in-patient or out-patient attendance or for long-term sickness.