Sick notes ...

[Downnout]

to think that under 18 students should get a discount re paying for a sick note (genuine from the doctor who diagnosed illness). My DS doctor is insisting that he has to pay the full price of £40.

I know it is an admin fee and is not under NHS but really!

Btw I do not mind paying £40 if I need one.

I think it would be reasonable for anyone who doesn't pay for their prescriptions to get a discount off certain private services- including sick notes.

But, if you need a sick note because you have/ are expected to be off work for a number of days (is it 5?) then you get it free as it's then an NHS service.

If your employer/college/whoever for whatever reason requires you to produce a sick note before then, then it should be their responsibility to pay for it! Why should you take the double whammy of less pay because you're sick and having to pay for the sick note. (Yes I know your employer takes a hit too, but it's their choice to insist on you getting the sick note, you don't have a choice)

Why does a student need a sick note? When I needed one it was to enable me to get SSP, but I wouldn't be prepared to pay for a sick note to prove to a college/school/uni that I was sick just because it made their records look better.

I suppose the point I'm making is that a student shouldn't need a sick note in the first place, it's not that the doctor is wrong for charging the standard amount.

It is needed so the college will provide a 'lift pass' ie his illness prevents the use of stairs.