Kate Wyatt

Lindsays is highlighting the change – one it believes will be welcomed by many firms as they look to return to as normal operational procedures as possible.

Emergency measures that allowed employees to self-certify sickness absences for 28 days had been brought into play by the UK government in December 2021 as part of measures to allow GP surgery staff to focus on the Covid-19 booster roll-out.

The return to the regular seven-day rule came into play on January 27, in time for implementation of the Scottish government’s relaxation of work from home guidance, in favour of a hybrid system of in-office and remote working, from today.

Kate Wyatt, a partner in the employment law team at Lindsays, said: “Employers once again have the right to request a fit note for their employees if they are off sick for more than seven calendar days.

“While the temporary change allowing 28 days’ self-certification was introduced for understandable reasons to support the NHS, the certainty that the return to the seven-day system brings is something that will be welcomed by the businesses we work with, allowing them to revert to their regular absence management arrangements.”

If an employee started sick leave before January 27, they will still only need to provide a medical certificate for their absence once it reaches 28 days.