Self-certification
Formal Neutral
What it really means
For the first 7 calendar days off work sick, you don't need a doctor's note — you just tell your employer yourself, sometimes on a simple form. Do not book a GP appointment only to get a note for a short illness.
Chinese explanation
自行申报：病假的前7个自然日不需要医生证明，自己告知雇主即可，有时填一张简单表格。请不要为了短期病假的证明专门去约GP。
Example conversation
A: I was off with flu for three days. Do I need a note from the doctor?
B: No — under seven days you just self-certify with your employer.
A：我因为流感休了三天，需要医生证明吗？
B：不需要——七天以内自行向雇主申报就行。
Official sources
Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.
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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake