Fit Note
Notarisation and Apostille Services for Fit Note
Welcome to Wharf Notaries, a trusted notarial service provider in the UK. Our team of experienced notaries is dedicated to notarising, apostilling, and legalising Fit Notes.
Below, you’ll find essential information about Fit Notes and our efficient process for their notarisation.
In the UK, when employees encounter health challenges that compromise their ability to work, they are often entitled to statutory sick pay. For extended periods of leave, a healthcare professional must confirm the employee is unfit for work.
Typically, when you are absent for more than 7 calendar days, you must provide your employer with a Fit Note (formerly known as a Sick Note). This document may sometimes require notarisation by a trusted notary public.
What is a Fit Note?
A Fit Note, or a Statement of Fitness for Work, is a document that confirms whether a person is well enough to work. Any UK resident can request a Fit Note from a registered healthcare professional. As of July 2022, this can be:
- A doctor or GP
- A nurse
- An occupational therapist
- A pharmacist
- A physiotherapist
The document outlines your health condition, any reasonable adjustments your workplace can make, and an indication of whether you are ‘fit for work’ or ‘not fit for work’.
The Legal Sick Leave Process
If you need to take time off work for health reasons, we recommend initiating the following legal sick leave process:
- Promptly notify your employers of your condition and the estimated duration of your absence.
- For absences lasting up to 7 calendar days, you can self-certify your illness. This means offering a brief explanation rather than providing a doctor’s letter.
- If the illness extends beyond 7 days, arrange an appointment with a healthcare professional who can assess your condition.
- If they deem you unfit for work, they will issue a Fit Note.
- Employers should review the Fit Note and discuss required workplace adjustments and/or sick leave.
- Depending on the employment contract and company policy, you may be entitled to statutory sick pay or company sick pay.
When Might Notarisation Be Necessary?
Certain circumstances may require additional validation. An experienced notary can reach out to the healthcare institution that issued the Fit Note to confirm its validity and produce a certificate of notarisation.
You may need verification from a notary in the following situations:
- International contexts: If an employee is seeking sick leave documentation for use abroad, notarisation might be required to prove the authenticity of the Fit Note.
- Legal proceedings: In legal cases related to disability claims or insurance disputes, a notarised Fit Note can serve as substantiating evidence.
- Employer policy: Some employers may have specific sick leave policies requiring notarised Fit Notes for extended or critical health-related absences.
How We Notarise a Fit Note
We can notarise either:
- Your original Fit Note signed by the named doctor.
- A photocopy of your Fit Note.
- A printout of your electronic Fit Note produced from the original PDF or other electronic document.
If notarising the original Fit Note, we will contact the doctor who issued it to verify its authenticity.
If notarising a photocopy, you will need to provide us with your original Fit Note. We will make a copy and notarise the copy as a “true copy.”
To notarise a printout of your electronic Fit Note, we will need to verify the authenticity of the document by checking the original email from the doctor where the Fit Note was attached as a PDF.
Fast and Professional Fit Note Notary
It is important to follow your workplace’s sick leave procedure when you are unwell. Fit Notes play a key role in this process.
You should also be aware of your legal rights. If your employer or another organisation contests the validity of your Statement of Fitness for Work, a recognised notary public like Notary.co.uk can verify the document.
We offer a simple and efficient notary service:
- Get in touch with us below. Attach a scan of your Fit Note and tell us what you need.
- We’ll respond with a fixed quote and explain the next steps.
- Ensure your Fit Note is recognised with authentication from one of our leading notaries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fit Notes
What is a Fit Note?
A Fit Note, or Statement of Fitness for Work, is a document that confirms whether a person is fit to work. It can be requested from a registered healthcare professional by any UK resident.
Why do I need to notarise a Fit Note?
Notarisation may be necessary if you need to provide proof of your health condition for legal, employment, or international purposes. A notarised Fit Note serves to verify its authenticity.
What is the process for notarising a Fit Note?
We will verify the authenticity of your Fit Note by contacting the issuing healthcare professional if required. A notarial certificate will then be attached to the original document, photocopy, or printed electronic version.
When do I need a notarised Fit Note?
You might need a notarised Fit Note for international use, legal proceedings related to disability claims or insurance disputes, or if your employer specifically requires it for extended sick leave.
How long does it take to notarise a Fit Note?
The processing time varies based on the specifics of your request, but we strive to offer prompt service to meet your needs.
Can you notarise an electronic Fit Note?
Yes, we can notarise an electronic Fit Note. You’ll need to provide the original email from the healthcare professional, and we will verify its authenticity before proceeding with the notarisation.
What other services do you offer for Fit Notes?
In addition to notarisation, we can assist with legal advice regarding sick leave processes and ensure compliance with your employer’s requirements.
How much does it cost to notarise a Fit Note?
Costs for notarisation can vary based on the specific services required. Please contact us for a detailed quote tailored to your needs.