Tell your employer you're off sick: free message

You're too unwell to work today.

What to do

  1. You don't have to share medical details. "Unwell" is enough.
  2. Check your contract or staff handbook for how and when to report sickness.
  3. Send it as early as you can.

The message

Fill in the boxes. What you type stays on this phone.

Your email, ready to send

3 gaps left to fill, marked [like this].

Hi [Manager's name], I'm sorry, but I'm unwell and won't be able to come in today. I'll let you know by [time] tomorrow how I'm doing. Thanks, [Your name]
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Ask Alice to adjust the tone

Alice gets only the blank letter, with its gaps [in brackets]. Nothing you typed is sent. You read it in the chat and press send yourself.

How should it sound?
See exactly what will be sent
Please rewrite this letter to sound kinder.
Keep every gap in [square brackets] exactly as it is, word for word. Keep every fact and request.
Don't add any phone numbers, laws, deadlines or names.

Hi [Manager's name],

I'm sorry, but I'm unwell and won't be able to come in today. I'll let you know by [time] tomorrow how I'm doing.

Here's what needs covering: [what needs covering (optional)]

Thanks,
[Your name]

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Last checked 30 September 2026 · Reviewed by Phil (letter published on /letters, 30 Sept 2026) · General information, not legal advice. Free from AliceBuddy: no sign-up, no ads, and what you type stays on your phone.

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