Are you unwell or caring for someone who is unwell and unable to go to work? Do you require proof of legitimate absence from work?

Under the Fair Work Act 2009, pharmacists have authority to issue  Absence from Work Certificates to people covered by the Act as proof of legitimate absence from work. They cannot be provided for absences relating to pregnancy or compassionate leave.

Absence from Work Certificates can be provided by your pharmacist to verify:

• Absences from work due to illness or injury (personal leave), or
• Absences due to illness or injury to a member of the employee’s immediate family or household (carer’s leave).
   

Absence from Work Certificates are issued at the pharmacists’ discretion, and can only be issued for conditions that are within their scope of practice (such as minor ailments). If your illness or injury is outside a pharmacist’s ability to assess, we will refer you to a doctor or other relevant health care professional.

Absence from Work Certificates can be issued for short periods of leave, generally 1-2 days, and cannot be backdated. You may be asked for a form of identification (ID). If you need an Absence from Work Certificate for a carer the person who is ill must be present