In order to free up GPs to help with the booster roll out, from today, if an employee starts sick leave between 10 December 2021 and 26 January 2022, they are not required to provide medical evidence of sickness absences for Statutory Sick Pay purposes until they have been off work for more than 28 days in a row (including non-working days).
The Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) Regulations 2021 (SI.No.1453/2021) modifies the Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) Regulations 1985 to increase the period that an employee is not required to provide medical information.
This means that in essence, employees can self-certify for a 28 day period without the employer being able to request medical evidence.
Be careful not to ask for a doctor’s note after 7 days (as you usually would), and watch this space for any updates closer to 26 January 2022 as to whether this will be extended.