Sick note - when does it actually run out?

Ella_fella

I've been signed off work for the past week or so, never had a doctor's sick note before so am a bit confused - the note says I am not fit for work from the 23rd August to the 31st August - 9 days.

Does this mean if I am well enough I go back to work on the 31st August or does the sick note include the 31st August as it states I won't be fit for work for 9 days (which is inclusive of the 23rd and 31st Aug)?

TIA

Jillanddy

The answer is "kind of neither". Your fit note (they are fit notes, not sick notes - which is a significant fact) includes advice that you are not fit to work up to and including 31st August. But if you are recovered and can go back to work then you can return to work, because it is advice and not an instruction. Some employers won't allow you to return earlier than the set date, but many will. Which probably doesn't entirely help a lot! So it does include the 31st, but on technical grounds if you are well then you don't have to stay off work (which can matter to people, especially if they are only on SSP).