Legal Compliance & Validity
Our Service Operates Within the UK Legal Framework
Sicknote.com is a compliant UK telemedicine platform. Our digital fit notes are issued by GMC-registered doctors, are legally valid as Statements of Fitness for Work, and meet all requirements for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) under UK employment law. Patient data is handled under UK GDPR and we are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Supporting Legal Framework
Medical Licensing
GMC-Registered Practice
All UK fit notes are issued by doctors registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). Since July 2022, fit notes can be digitally authorised by eligible healthcare professionals — a physical signature is no longer required. Our doctors are fully qualified to issue fit notes under current UK regulations.
Employment Law
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Employees absent for more than 7 consecutive days require a fit note to claim Statutory Sick Pay. Our fit notes meet all requirements under UK employment law. From April 2026, SSP becomes payable from day one, making timely medical certification even more important.
Fit Note Regulations
Statement of Fitness for Work
Fit notes are governed by the Social Security (Medical Evidence) Regulations 1976 as updated. A valid fit note must be issued by a registered healthcare professional and state whether the employee is “not fit for work” or “may be fit for work”. Our fit notes meet all these requirements and are accepted by UK employers.
Data Protection
UK GDPR & ICO Registration
All patient data is handled in compliance with UK GDPR. We are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Health data is special category data — patients are not required to disclose their medical diagnosis to their employer, and our certificates protect patient privacy by default.
Certificate Security
Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)
Every fit note is digitally authorised using a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES), meeting UK requirements for digital fit note issuance. Each certificate includes a unique reference number and QR code allowing employers to instantly verify authenticity online, 24/7.
Privacy
Diagnosis Disclosure
Under UK GDPR and official GOV.UK fit note guidance, a fit note does not need to specify a medical diagnosis. Our fit notes focus on the patient’s fitness for work rather than their underlying condition, protecting patient privacy while remaining fully valid for SSP and employer sick leave purposes.
Important Note About Acceptance
While our fit notes are legally valid under UK employment law, individual employers may have their own internal policies regarding online-issued fit notes. For absences of 7 days or less, self-certification is sufficient and a fit note is not legally required. Our support team can provide additional documentation or guidance if your employer has any questions.
Legal & Compliance Questions?
For specific questions about medical licensing, document verification, or compliance, contact our team.