long term sick leave what was your experience?
Posted by thereadingbee@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 26 comments
I've recently taken 4 weeks sick and im thinking to apply for another 2 meaning I cross into long term sick leave. I've never had more than 2 weeks before so I'm very new to it. I wondered what I should expect. I was scared they could fire me but I'm realising that's probably a little far stretch and just anxieties running away.
but I'm curious for what to expect and how others have handle this.
ambergriswoldo@reddit
I was off work sick for about 3 months a few years ago. I found the most frustrating thing was the management calling me for updates - if I was waiting on appointments or test results then I couldn’t give them the info they wanted and it was difficult to rest and focus on my health with management telling me to call the doctor and chase things up constantly.
I ended up quitting - I probably could have continued signed off but at that point I felt like they were still questioning a lot and I needed a fresh start elsewhere.
thereadingbee@reddit (OP)
I feel this. he keeps pestering and im finding it hard when GPs are so hard to get through to :/
ambergriswoldo@reddit
Yeah from what I understand if you have a contract with the job then they should accept a doctors note etc - try and keep strong as at least you’re still getting paid at the moment so it’s one less stress while you’ve got health stuff to focus on. Does your job have an HR department / union?
Resident_Ebb_9354@reddit
Communication is the most important thing. Keep your manager updated - in writing so via email and keep an in date sick note from your GP then concentrate on getting better. I once had 9 months off sick and the phased return was terrifying but your health comes first. They won’t thank you for going back early if you just end up off again with the same thing
Good luck and get well soon
thereadingbee@reddit (OP)
yes I think this is something I need to remember. I ended up sending the message to him and he was just thankful I gave him the heads up to arrange cover so im pleased I did it.
L-0-T-H-0-S@reddit
You can't be fired for being sick - they can ease you out of the business by establishing that you aren't capable of doing your job without a significant detrimental effect to yourself - lack of capability - but that's a long winded process involving an occupational therapist.
Just make sure you get your doctors note signed for the period you're off.
thereadingbee@reddit (OP)
okay. this was my biggest concern about the situation. thank you
Well-Known-Elf@reddit
I'm currently unemployed because of exactly this. Document everything, have a union rep present at all times because your company does not give a flying fuck what's wrong with you if you are not working they will find a way to dismiss you.
L-0-T-H-0-S@reddit
Not a problem. I hope you feel better soon.
FunkyYoghurt@reddit
"You can't be fired for being sick"
Yes you can.
Jezzle219@reddit
I've had a couple of long-term absences. One was for 2 years, the second for 9 months. The key for me was open and honest communication with my boss, occupational health and the insurance company (I'm lucky the company I work for has group income protection). Make sure you take the time you need to get better and ask for support where you can.
1whoisconcerned@reddit
I was off sick 6 months full pay and another 3 months half pay. That was 8 years ago. I’m still here.
Rough-Sprinkles2343@reddit
Technically 4 weeks is seen as long term sick leave.
I’m assuming based on what you’ve written, it’s linked to mental health. Have you had any support/treatment signposted to you?
What’s your employer doing to help the situation? Have you got occupational health?
Try and have an action plan in these weeks off otherwise before you know it, it’s 6 months down the line and a return to work looks increasingly unlikely.
thereadingbee@reddit (OP)
yeah mental health issues and stress. but work has done nothing basically hounded me first week for a sick note and that was that. but I ended up not seeing the dr although im thinking I need to change this so that something can be done maybe
thetechguyv@reddit
You can't go off sick for this long without a sick note, that is something that can get you sacked. You can only self certify for 7 days. You need to get to the doctors asap.
Rough-Sprinkles2343@reddit
If it helps I work in occupational health and I see anxiety, depression, work stress more than anything else.
You need a fit note after the first week of being off which you’ve done
You need to start to be more proactive. See a GP/ specialist nurse and get the ball rolling. Eat right, exercise, have a routine. Your employer also needs to get the ball rolling and see how they can help you return eg reduce stress.
What I see commonly is people being off sick for ages, employers don’t engage, employees feel worse off for this, cycle gets worse and it’s many months down the line and a return to work is an uphill battle.
FunkyYoghurt@reddit
You're shooting yourself in the foot for not seeing the doctor. When you're off sick for this long, especially due to mental health, it isn't unreasonable at all for your employer to badger you for a sick note. You can't just...go off sick for weeks because your mental health isn't good. If I was your boss I'd feel for you but I'd 100% want some sort of doctors note.
thereadingbee@reddit (OP)
I meant on first week so my Dr's dont let you get the sick note for 7 days off already I meant sorry. and he was asking on day 2 even though deputy manager was like its okay you've let us know just get sick note for next week. sorry for confusion
Glittering-Knee9595@reddit
Depends on the employer and manager.
But if you’re off, enjoy being off. Don’t rush back until you’re ready and go slow to start with.
thereadingbee@reddit (OP)
I fear youre right. thanks
RainbowPenguin1000@reddit
Worst case scenario - How long have you worked there?
If it’s less than two years they could let you go. They could claim you’re not fit enough to do your job.
More likely scenario - most companies do actively try to help their employees in these situations as they don’t want to have to rehire and train new staff so just discuss it with them openly and it will probably go much better than you expect.
thereadingbee@reddit (OP)
little over 2 years now.
I hope scenario 2 is the path they chose im just so anxious over the whole thing.
RainbowPenguin1000@reddit
If you’re over two years then you’re fine.
It’s in their interest to have you 100% so if you need more time let them know and they will help out.
thereadingbee@reddit (OP)
okay. this has given me the reassurance to send the message over and let them know. thanks.
CoffeeandaTwix@reddit
I don't know that anybody else's experience is particularly relevant here because it depends so much on your company, your boss and quite frankly what your sickness is and how it is perceived (shouldn't be but in reality it is).
For what it is worth, I once had a long term sickness period of a couple of months. I didn't have much choice because I was in hospital. The company as an organisation were ok with me. When I got out of the hospital, they organised a sit down with a third party occupational health provider and immediately agreed to their recommendation which was a phased return to work starting with working from home (which wasn't something many people were doing to any extent at that time in that company - it was office based but over 10 years ago).
On the other hand, due to the nature of the sickness (it was a bipolar episode) it wasn't great going back in afterwards. People were very wary of me and no cunt wanted to speak to me. I spoke to one person who wasn't as squeamish as the rest and there had been all sorts of rumours about me. To be fair, leading up to being sectioned my behaviour and manner had become fairly eccentric and erratic.
AutoModerator@reddit
Please help keep AskUK welcoming!
When replying to submission/post please make genuine efforts to answer the question given. Please no jokes, judgements, etc. If a post is marked 'Serious Answers Only' you may receive a ban for violating this rule.
Don't be a dick to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on.
This is a strictly no-politics subreddit!
Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.