Universal credit: fit notes

The GP’s certificate is called the ‘statement of fitness for work’ or ‘fit note’. On this, your GP can indicate that either you are not fit for work or you may be fit for work after taking into account certain advice, eg a phased return to work, altered hours or duties, or workplace adaptations.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, other types of supporting medical evidence can be accepted instead of a fit note:

• an ‘isolation note’ if you are unable to work because of coronavirus (to get one, call NHS 111 or go to https://digital.nhs.uk/coronavirus/nhs-111-online-coronavirus-services/get-an-isolation-note-service)
• a letter or ‘shielding note’ from your GP or a health authority advising you to shield because you are at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus
• a letter confirming the date of your procedure if you have been advised to self-isolate before going into hospital for surgery
• a letter from the NHS or a public health authority if you have been told to self-isolate because you have come into contact with someone with coronavirus

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