Sick leave

Sick leave is time away from work because personal illness or injury makes a person unable to work. In the national workplace system it sits within personal or carer's leave arrangements, but pay and eligibility depend on employment circumstances. A medical certificate supports evidence of incapacity; it does not itself create a paid leave entitlement.

What should I do when I cannot work?

Notify the employer as soon as practicable and say how long you expect to be away. Follow the applicable notice and evidence process. If the expected duration changes, update the employer rather than assuming an earlier message covers an indefinite absence.

Ask what evidence is required. Fair Work guidance recognises medical certificates and statutory declarations as examples, provided the evidence satisfies a reasonable person. An employer can request evidence for a short absence, not only a multi-day illness.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Fair Work Ombudsman: Sick and carer's leave - Fair Work Ombudsman.

How is sick leave different from carer's leave?

Sick leave concerns your own illness or injury. Carer's leave concerns care or support for an eligible family or household member in the relevant circumstances. Tell the clinician which situation applies so the assessment and any document reflect the facts.

The doctor may ask about symptoms, function, dates and duties. A certificate is a clinical opinion, not a document automatically issued because payment was made. The clinician can recommend further assessment or decline wording they cannot support.

What if the absence is prolonged?

Discuss ongoing care and suitable evidence with your regular clinician. Employment protections, paid balances and possible workplace adjustments involve separate rules. A sequence of short certificates is not necessarily a substitute for a coordinated treatment and work-capacity plan.

See Doccio's sick-leave certificate service. Check your employer's requirements and current Fair Work guidance for entitlement questions. If symptoms are severe or worsening, prioritise appropriate medical care rather than focusing only on obtaining a certificate.

Where to go next

Read Doccio information about sick leave to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.