Any issues about going to work when signed off sick?

[nenevomito]

My GP has signed me off sick for two weeks for mental health reasons. I disagree that I need to be signed off, so I am in work and the note is still in my bag.

Question is, if your GP has signed you off, is there an official reason why you can't go in = e.g. employers liability insurance etc. or can is it OK.

TIA

[nenevomito]

sorry - last sentence should read "or can you go in if you choose to without impact."

[flowery]

If your employers know you have been signed off and allow you to work, then they may find themselves vulnerable legally especially if, say, your condition deteriorated as a result, and there may be a clause in their employers liability insurance about it specifically. All in all, it is a very bad idea to allow someone to work if they are signed off.

However if they don't know, and have no reason to think you shouldn't be at work, then those issues don't arise.

[nenevomito]

Thanks very much. They don't know so no problems there.

[daddoinghisbest]

I think that if you had an accident at work, and your employers found out you were signed of as not fit for work, you wouldn't be able to claim. Probably low risk. But I have to ask - if your GP thinks it's best to be off work, maybe you should give it a try. Maybe some time out away from work would do you good? See some friends, go to the seaside, have a spa day? Hope you feel better soon.

[nenevomito]

I'm not actually feeling ill - if I was I would stay off work. Its his concern that I have too much on at the moment which can cause a relapse. As I have two weeks leave coming up very soon I think that's enough, hence the difference of opinion between us. If I start feeling unwell, I'll definitely go off.

[fedupandtired]

Your GP signed you off without you asking for a sick note and despite you saying you didn't need one? That's almost unheard of!

Flowery might be able to clarify here but I'm pretty sure now that they use fit notes you can go back earlier than it states. Recently my GP said to me I didn't need to see her if I wanted to go back earlier than the fit note specified which I thought was a bit odd but I did a bit of research and it looked as if that was the case. Seems odd to me but there you go.

[catinabox]

You will not be covered by insurance so you shouldn't be at work. I guess it depends on the employer. My company are a large national organisation and do everything by the letter. I would listen to your GP TBH aand take the time off if you can. If not perhaps you could do some work from home?

[honestpointofview]

Hi

Flowery is right re insurance, it could be a problem if a risk assessment is not carried out if it is necessary. If it is carried out or not necessary then it does not invalidate insurance.

Fed is right re fit notes - fit notes are guidance and you can come back before they expire.

[nenevomito]

Thanks all for the advice. I'll keep it all in mind.