Fill in the form and click Generate My Letter to create your sick leave request.
In most jurisdictions including Canada, the UK and Australia, you are not legally required to disclose your specific diagnosis. You may simply state that you are unwell or unable to work due to a medical reason. However, your employer may ask for a general description or a medical certificate for longer absences.
You should notify your employer as soon as possible — ideally before your shift or workday begins. Most employment standards require notification on the first day of absence. Check your employment contract or company policy for specific requirements.
Most employers require a medical certificate for absences exceeding 3 consecutive days. Some companies have their own policies that may require one sooner. In Canada, under the Canada Labour Code, employers can request a medical note but cannot require you to pay for it.
Under the Canada Labour Code (federal employees), workers are entitled to 10 days of medical leave per year, with the first 3 days paid after 3 months of employment. Provincial rules vary — Ontario provides 3 paid sick days under the ESA. Check your province's Employment Standards Act for specific entitlements.
In most cases, no — sick leave is a statutory right in most jurisdictions and cannot be denied outright. However, employers can request documentation and may have policies about how leave is reported. If you believe your sick leave rights are being violated, contact your provincial Employment Standards office or a legal adviser.
For same-day or short absences, a phone call or text to your manager followed by an email is the most common approach. For planned medical absences, a formal letter or email in advance is preferred. Always follow your company's sick leave reporting procedure.