A sickness certificate completed and signed by your doctor is only required when a period of continuous absence from work, due to illness, is of seven days' duration or longer. For absence up to three days no certificate is required. Between three and six days' absence due to illness is adequately covered by a “self certificate” (available from any DSS office or employer). All employers should be aware of these regulations. If a certificate is required for the first seven days, a fee is payable. Please telephone the surgery after 2.00pm to request a sick note.