What should you know about labour law sick leave medical certificate?

The document may identify the dates or period covered, whether rest from work is advised, and any relevant administrative details. It is based on a clinical assessment, not simply a request for time away. Workplace procedures and employment rules can determine how and when it must be submitted, so check your employer’s process as well as the certificate details.

Book a medical assessment and explain your symptoms, job duties and the date you stopped or expect to stop working. Bring identification and any information your workplace requires. Read the dates before leaving the appointment, keep a copy, and send it through the approved channel. If you remain unwell when the period ends, arrange review rather than altering the document yourself.

Seek urgent care for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, fainting, new weakness on one side, confusion or thoughts of harming yourself. For exhaustion, sleep problems or persistent low mood that interfere with work, arrange a medical review; burnout can need support beyond paperwork.

What work limitations should be recorded? What dates does the certificate cover? When should I return for review, and what should I do if my symptoms continue or worsen?