Employees must give their employer a doctor’s ‘fit note’ if they’ve been off sick for more than 7 days in a row. This includes non-working days, such as weekends and bank holidays.

A “fit note” advises employers as to the fitness of an employee, i.e. whether they’re ready to return to their role fully, whether they need to take on lighter duties, or whether there are any “reasonable adjustments” you need to make to help their return to work, for example, working fewer hours or providing specialist equipment.