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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask how you spend sick leave

39 replies

muffinmum89 · 31/05/2024 11:24

I've only ever been off work sick before when I've been confined to bed/the sofa/the toilet so I don't know the rules! But I've been signed off for 10 days now due to a painful polyp! However, typically, as soon as I've now been signed off the pain has subsided a lot!

I'm not going back to work before my sick note ends as sod's law states it will get bad again if I do, so how am I allowed to act while off, please? If I'm feeling well enough, am I allowed to do a grocery shop? Pick the kids up from school? Pop for a coffee with a friend?

Thanks!

OP posts:
mitogoshi · 31/05/2024 11:48

If you recover quicker than the sick note you go back to work surely

VolvoFan · 31/05/2024 11:42

I WFH and while I was in agony and flooding through pads last month (complications from an MMC), my manager, in a rare moment of lucidity, told me to take the day off. They're usually an utter pillock, so it was quite refreshing to see them using their brain. I just popped a couple of codeine tablets to take the edge off and I was fine. A little giggly, but fine.

littlebluecaravan · 31/05/2024 11:39

Anything that is an absolute must like picking the kids up then of course you should do it.

Grocery shopping could be delivered so you don't need to carry heavy bags to go walking around loads and aggravate your polyp.

I probably wouldn't want to risk being out in public having a coffee and shopping but I'd absolutely go and visit a friend at their house or invite them to see me.

Purplecatshopaholic · 31/05/2024 11:37

If you are signed off sick, then it’s no one else’s business what you get up to (within reason - running a marathon while off with mobility issues might be a bit suspect). However, a doctor knows you are suffering from a medical issue, your work colleagues are presumably not doctors so can’t comment on what you can and cannot do while off sick. If you feel well enough to leave the house then fine - but do take it easy!

Hourlyglasshalffull · 31/05/2024 11:36

You can do whatever you feel capable of doing.

daffodilandtulip · 31/05/2024 11:36

I had a manager who used to do unannounced daily home visits to catch people out!

Original poster
muffinmum89 · 31/05/2024 11:35

Thank you for replies!

Yes, mental health sickness would be more clear cut, as you could argue it was for restorative purposes to pop and see a friend.

That's why I'm worried about the definition with this one. A sensible person can see that an hour in town with a friend and then back home to rest and lie down is different to spending 8 hours sitting in an office, but I don't want them to think I'm having them on! Thank you for the advice

OP posts:
VolvoFan · 31/05/2024 11:34

It depends on the work you do. If it's manual, then going out for a coffee with friends would invalidate you needing to take time away from work. If your work requires a lot of brain power, then a lot of pain will render you unable to concentrate. If you have to commute, then either request WFH or take time off sick.

MabelMaybe · 31/05/2024 11:33

You are allowed to go out and about. If you have a bad back, depression etc. being out and moving / engaging with people will make you feel better. If you know that X makes your symptoms worse, don't do them, but otherwise you can just go out and about. You have a doctor's note that says you aren't able to work. It's not anybody else's business. You don't need to sit at home demonstrating that you are too ill to work.

HaveANiceFuckingDay · 31/05/2024 11:32

Go on holiday if that's what floats your boat . My GP said sunshine and relaxation is the best remedy . This was mental health related tho. I wouldn't be posting it all over FB .
Yes you can grocery shop and pick the children up from school

TwattyMcFuckFace · 31/05/2024 11:32

I think every workplace is probably different.

We have a small team and it's very rare for any of us to go off sick, so if I spotted someone out and about, I wouldn't think anything other than they were able to do it in that moment.

Other workplaces/people think differently.

TeenLifeMum · 31/05/2024 11:31

In those circumstances I’d collect dc and shop for essentials but I would only meet friends for coffee at my house.

DarkForces · 31/05/2024 11:30

I wouldn't be lugging heavy bags around while off with a polyp

Strictly1 · 31/05/2024 11:29

If you’re well enough to go for a coffee and are absent due to pain, people would assume you were well enough to be in work unless you do a manual job etc.