Cookies Policy
Last Updated: January 2026
1. Introduction
Welcome to Sicknote.com. This Cookies Policy explains how Sicknote OÜ (“we,” “us,” or “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website at https://sicknote.com (the “Site”) from the United Kingdom.
This policy is designed to comply with UK data protection law, including the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR), the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018), and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUA Act 2025).
By using our Site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Cookies Policy. Where we require your consent to place cookies, we will ask for it when you first visit our Site.
2. UK Legal Framework
The use of cookies in the UK is governed by several pieces of legislation that work together to protect your privacy:
PECR
Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (as amended by the DUA Act 2025)
PECR sets the rules for using cookies and similar technologies. It requires us to tell you about cookies and, in most cases, obtain your consent before placing them on your device.
UK GDPR
UK General Data Protection Regulation
When cookies collect personal data, UK GDPR governs how we process that data. It requires us to have a lawful basis for processing and to be transparent about our practices.
DPA 2018
Data Protection Act 2018
The DPA 2018 supplements UK GDPR and provides additional rules for data protection in the UK, including provisions for special category data.
DUA Act 2025
Data (Use and Access) Act 2025
The DUA Act amended PECR and introduced new exceptions for certain low-risk cookies. It also aligned PECR penalties with UK GDPR (up to £17.5 million or 4% of global turnover).
Regulatory Authority
Cookie compliance in the UK is enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s independent authority for data protection. The ICO has the power to investigate complaints, conduct audits, and impose fines for non-compliance with cookie rules.
3. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit websites. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide information to website owners, and enhance your browsing experience.
3.1 How Cookies Work
When you visit our Site, cookies may be placed on your device. These cookies allow us to:
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Keep you signed in to your account
- Understand how you use our Site
- Improve our services based on usage patterns
- Provide relevant content and, where you consent, marketing
3.2 Similar Technologies
PECR applies not only to cookies but to any technology that stores or accesses information on your device. This includes:
- Web beacons/pixels: Small graphic images embedded in web pages or emails
- Local storage: Data stored in your browser that persists after you close it
- Session storage: Data stored temporarily during your browsing session
- Device fingerprinting: Techniques that identify your device based on its characteristics
- Tracking scripts: Code that monitors your activity across websites
Throughout this policy, references to “cookies” include these similar technologies unless stated otherwise.
4. Types of Cookies
4.1 By Duration
| Type | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Session Cookies | Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser. They help the website remember your actions during a single browsing session. | Deleted when browser closes |
| Persistent Cookies | Cookies that remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them. They remember your preferences for future visits. | Varies (days to years) |
4.2 By Source
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| First-Party Cookies | Cookies set by us (Sicknote.com) directly. These are essential for our Site to function and for us to provide our services. |
| Third-Party Cookies | Cookies set by other organisations through our Site, such as analytics providers or payment processors. We have limited control over these cookies. |
5. Cookies We Use
We categorise the cookies on our Site into four main types:
Essential
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for our Site to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You cannot opt out of these cookies as our Site cannot function without them.
Examples:
- Authentication cookies to keep you logged in during your session
- Security cookies to prevent fraudulent activity
- Load balancing cookies to ensure the Site performs properly
- Cookie consent preferences storage
✓ No consent required (PECR exemption)
Functional
Functionality Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our Site. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these features may not function properly.
Examples:
- Language and region preferences
- Font size and display settings
- Form auto-fill features
- Live chat functionality
⚡ Consent required
Analytics
Performance & Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our Site by collecting and reporting information anonymously. They help us improve how our Site works.
Examples:
- Page visit counts and traffic sources
- Time spent on pages
- Error tracking and site performance monitoring
- User journey analysis
⚡ Consent required
Note on Analytics Exceptions
The DUA Act 2025 introduced a new exception for certain statistical cookies used solely to improve website performance. However, strict conditions apply (including providing clear information and an easy opt-out). We will update this policy as ICO guidance is finalised.
Marketing
Marketing & Advertising Cookies
These cookies may be set through our Site by our advertising partners. They may be used to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other sites. They work by uniquely identifying your browser and device.
Examples:
- Targeted advertising cookies
- Social media sharing buttons
- Retargeting and remarketing cookies
- Conversion tracking
⚡ Consent required
5.1 Detailed Cookie List
Below is a list of the main cookies used on our Site:
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| __session | Sicknote.com | Maintains user session state | Essential | Session |
| cookie_consent | Sicknote.com | Stores your cookie preferences | Essential | 1 year |
| __clerk_* | Clerk | Authentication and user management | Essential | Varies |
| _ga, _gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users and sessions for analytics | Analytics | Up to 2 years |
| _gat | Google Analytics | Throttles request rate | Analytics | 1 minute |
| _fbp | Meta (Facebook) | Advertising and conversion tracking | Marketing | 3 months |
This list is regularly updated. For the most current information, please check our cookie consent tool.
6. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on our Site are placed by third parties. We use trusted third-party services to help us operate our Site and provide our services:
6.1 Third-Party Services
| Service | Purpose | Privacy Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics | Website analytics and performance monitoring | Google Privacy Policy |
| Clerk | User authentication and account management | Clerk Privacy Policy |
| Revolut / Payment Providers | Secure payment processing | Revolut Privacy Policy |
| Brevo | Email communications | Brevo Privacy Policy |
We do not control third-party cookies. Please refer to the relevant third party’s privacy policy for more information about how they use cookies.
6.2 International Data Transfers
Some of our third-party service providers are based outside the UK. Where personal data collected through cookies is transferred internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with UK GDPR requirements. For more information, see our UK Privacy Policy.
7. Your Consent
7.1 How We Obtain Consent
Under PECR, we must obtain your consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device. When you first visit our Site, you will see a cookie banner that:
- Clearly explains that we use cookies
- Provides options to accept or reject different categories of cookies
- Gives equal prominence to “Accept” and “Reject” options
- Does not use pre-ticked boxes or assume consent
- Links to this detailed Cookies Policy
7.2 Valid Consent Under UK Law
For consent to be valid under UK GDPR and PECR, it must be:
- Freely given: You must have a genuine choice and not be penalised for refusing
- Specific: Consent must be given for each purpose separately
- Informed: You must understand what you are consenting to
- Unambiguous: Consent requires a clear affirmative action (e.g., clicking “Accept”)
No Cookie Walls
In line with ICO guidance, we do not use “cookie walls” that require you to accept cookies in order to access our Site or services. You can use our Site even if you reject non-essential cookies.
7.3 Withdrawing Consent
You can withdraw your consent at any time. Withdrawing consent is as easy as giving it. You can:
- Click the “Cookie Settings” link in our website footer
- Use the cookie management tool to update your preferences
- Adjust your browser settings to delete or block cookies
Please note that withdrawing consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before withdrawal.
8. Managing Your Cookies
🍪 Manage Your Cookie Preferences
You can review and change your cookie settings at any time using our cookie management tool.
8.1 What Happens If You Disable Cookies?
If you choose to disable or reject cookies:
- Essential cookies: Cannot be disabled; the Site will not function without them
- Functional cookies: Some features may not work as intended
- Analytics cookies: We won’t be able to improve our Site based on your usage
- Marketing cookies: You may still see advertising, but it won’t be tailored to you
9. Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:
- Delete all cookies from your browser
- Block all cookies or only third-party cookies
- Set your browser to notify you when a cookie is set
- Browse in “private” or “incognito” mode
Here are links to cookie management instructions for popular browsers:
9.1 Do Not Track
Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature. There is currently no universal standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals. We will update this policy if a standard is established.
9.2 Opt-Out Tools
You can also opt out of certain third-party cookies using industry opt-out tools:
- Google Analytics: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
- Your Online Choices: www.youronlinechoices.com/uk (for advertising cookies)
10. Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, where cookies collect personal data, you have rights including:
- Right of access: Request a copy of the personal data collected via cookies
- Right to rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
- Right to erasure: Request deletion of your data in certain circumstances
- Right to object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Right to withdraw consent: Withdraw consent at any time
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 12 or see our UK Privacy Policy for more information.
🏛️ Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
If you have concerns about our use of cookies or wish to make a complaint, you have the right to contact the ICO:
Website: ico.org.uk
Helpline: 0303 123 1113
Address: Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookies Policy from time to time to reflect changes in:
- The cookies we use
- Applicable laws and regulations
- ICO guidance and enforcement priorities
- Our business practices
Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date. If we make significant changes, we will notify you through our Site or by other appropriate means, such as displaying a new cookie banner.
We encourage you to check this page periodically to stay informed about our use of cookies.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Cookies Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us:
Data Protection Officer
Email: [email protected]
UK GDPR Representative (Article 27)
If you are located in the UK and have questions or concerns regarding your personal data, you may contact our appointed GDPR representative:
UK Representative:
Address: Euverify Ltd (UK)
3rd Floor
86-90 Paul Street
London
EC2A 4NE
United Kingdom
Email: [email protected]
To submit a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR), data deletion request, or any other GDPR-related inquiry, please use our secure portal at:
https://gdpr.euverify.com/verify/a8ba31f0-f8d5-450a-8815-23df3ce20e0f
This link allows you to verify our appointed representative and submit GDPR requests directly. Requests submitted through this portal are logged and tracked to ensure timely response and compliance.
Company Details
Sicknote OÜ
Registry Code: 17138961
VAT Number: EE102812646
Registered in Estonia