Jobhunting & jumping ship whilst off sick

[Maxine3477]

I (along with the rest of the team I work on) have been told that our jobs are coming to an end in next couple of months (due to lack of funding).The stress is immense and is really taking it's toll on my health. Haven't slept or eaten properly since been told this news.
I also have a lot of stressful and life-changing things happening outside of work, struggling to hold myself together.
I'm thinking of asking my GP for a sicknote for a few weeks, just so I can have some time to start feeling healthier and trying to get some rest.
My question is, if I go jobhunting/attending interviews whilst off sick is this allowed? Obviously I need to find a new job urgently, just feel like staying off sick from the current workplace until my employment comes to an end. I've never been off sick before and they would know I'm genunine. Just want to protect my health and have some breathing space to find a new job.
Anyone ever done this, I mean attending interviews when off sick then just never going back to old job? Would it affect references etc?

[CloudsCanLookLikeSheep]

Yes, you can look for another job in this situation.