Do You Need a Sick Note for 1 Day Off in BC?
Under BC Employment Standards, employers generally cannot require a sick note for a single day of absence. But many have internal policies that do.
## The Short Answer
Under BC Employment Standards, employers generally cannot require a sick note for a single day of absence.
## What BC Law Says
The Employment Standards Act allows employers to request proof of illness, but this is generally interpreted as applying to absences of 3+ days.
## Common Employer Policies
Despite the legal position, many employers require notes for any absence, particularly in:
- Retail and food service
- Manufacturing and warehouse work
- Call centres
- Industries with high absenteeism
## When to Push Back
Consider pushing back if the cost is unreasonable, you'd need to travel while sick, or the policy is applied selectively.
## When to Just Get the Note
Sometimes it's easier to get documentation than fight the policy. MedLetter provides $49 sick notes same day — often less expensive than disputing an employer's policy.