A sickness certificate completed and signed by your doctor is ONLY required when a period of consistent absence from work due to illness is longer than seven days' duration.
Absence from work due to illness of up to seven working days will be covered adequately by a “self certification” form ( SC2 ) available from your employer. Self-employed patients should obtain form SC1 from their local Job Centre Plus office or by telephoning 0800 055 6688.