AIBU to ignore my sick note?

mumisfull · 2025-09-17T09:43:34+00:00

I have Generalised Anxiety Disorder. I am struggling. Yesterday, I went to the doctor to increase my anxiety meds and was also signed off work for three weeks. Today I feel like I can ignore the sick note. I work part time as a teacher and it’s going to be harder to be off and then catch up. Can I do that? Has anyone else done this?

Megifer · 17/09/2025 15:06

Toddlerteaplease · 17/09/2025 14:35

@SundaymorningcallaI’m not perpetuating myths. That is what I was told by my manager. When I asked if I could go back and do non clinical work during an MS flare up. I wasn’t well enough to work on the ward but was ok to sit in the office on a computer. But they said it wasn’t allowed.

The myth is that the workplace isnt insured if someone has been given a fit note. This isnt true as long as its considered safe for the person to return.

Sundaymorningcalla · 17/09/2025 14:57

Toddlerteaplease · 17/09/2025 14:35

@SundaymorningcallaI’m not perpetuating myths. That is what I was told by my manager. When I asked if I could go back and do non clinical work during an MS flare up. I wasn’t well enough to work on the ward but was ok to sit in the office on a computer. But they said it wasn’t allowed.

Your manager is wrong.

DramaLlamacchiato · 17/09/2025 14:42

CasualDayHasGoneTooFar · 17/09/2025 11:33

They don't where I live - but obviously different GPs work differently in different areas

how do you know? If someone goes to their GP and says “I feel too sick to go to work”, how many GPs do you think say “no you’re not”, and refuse to sign them off? Answer: zero

you’re naive

DramaLlamacchiato · 17/09/2025 14:39

CasualDayHasGoneTooFar · 17/09/2025 11:16

no they don't

Show quote history

Yes they do. It’s the easiest thing in the world to get signed off sick. If you say you don’t feel well enough to go to work, how can a doctor disprove that?

AmpleLilacQuail · 17/09/2025 14:38

The GP told me that sick notes are only advisory, if you want to work you can. I wouldn’t though, take your rest and look after yourself.

DramaLlamacchiato · 17/09/2025 14:37

I got signed off for anxiety and work related stress for a month a few years ago but I still went to work. I am better when I have work to focus my mind

Toddlerteaplease · 17/09/2025 14:35

@SundaymorningcallaI’m not perpetuating myths. That is what I was told by my manager. When I asked if I could go back and do non clinical work during an MS flare up. I wasn’t well enough to work on the ward but was ok to sit in the office on a computer. But they said it wasn’t allowed.

Sundaymorningcalla · 17/09/2025 14:12

Toddlerteaplease · 17/09/2025 12:23

You can’t ignore it. Your work place will not be insured to have you on the premises. If you want to go back you’ll need a fit note. I wanted to go back once before a sick note ended and it wasn’t allowed.

Stop perpetuating myths. This is simply not true.

Megifer · 17/09/2025 12:45

Yes you can ignore it. Fit notes are only advisory.

Last time I was given one I binned it as I knew time off wouldn't have helped in my situation.

Toddlerteaplease · 17/09/2025 12:23

You can’t ignore it. Your work place will not be insured to have you on the premises. If you want to go back you’ll need a fit note. I wanted to go back once before a sick note ended and it wasn’t allowed.

Sundaymorningcalla · 17/09/2025 12:10

Bikergran · 17/09/2025 11:51

I believe that if you go into work while under a sick note it invalidates their insurance. Can't you just do it quietly at home so it's ready to take in with you in due course?

This is a myth

Bikergran · 17/09/2025 11:51

I believe that if you go into work while under a sick note it invalidates their insurance. Can't you just do it quietly at home so it's ready to take in with you in due course?

Isobel201 · 17/09/2025 11:48

I had anxiety, and I had good and bad days. So although today you might be feeling good, you may end up struggling again. I'd take at least a week and see how you get on.

caringcarer · 17/09/2025 11:42

TrimayrAcademy · 17/09/2025 10:49

I don’t think you can ignore a sick note, it invalidates insurance or something.

This. You could have refused sick note at GP surgery at the time but now it's too late unless you go back to go and tell them you feel better and can return to work and get a fit note.

ilovesooty · 17/09/2025 11:35

PegDope · 17/09/2025 10:50

I think the very fact that you wish to ignore a three week sick note means you absolutely shouldn’t.

Take the rest you very clearly need.

I ignored sick notes issued by my GP. I became much more ill as a result. I'd advise you not to do it.

CasualDayHasGoneTooFar · 17/09/2025 11:33

They don't where I live - but obviously different GPs work differently in different areas

thetooththewholetooth · 17/09/2025 11:32

CasualDayHasGoneTooFar · 17/09/2025 11:16

no they don't

Show quote history

They really do.

CasualDayHasGoneTooFar · 17/09/2025 11:29

Good to know - I am way out of date!! :-)

3.9 You should go back to work as soon as you feel able to and with your employer’s agreement – this may be before your fit note expires. If you are receiving health-related benefit, then you can speak to your Jobcentre or work coach to discuss possible work opportunities. You do not need to go back to see your healthcare professional before going back to work.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-fit-note-a-guide-for-patients-and-employees/the-fit-note-guidance-for-patients-and-employees

The fit note: guidance for patients and employees

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-fit-note-a-guide-for-patients-and-employees/the-fit-note-guidance-for-patients-and-employees

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 17/09/2025 11:24

SabbatWheel · 17/09/2025 10:54

Not true in teaching for sure. You can return early if you wish.
OP, take the time off. I know teaching is a job where it seems easier to be in than out, but if you need the time, do take it.
As someone else said, everyone is replaceable at work.

Show quote history

I wasn’t allowed when l was teaching. It invalidates stuff.

Sundaymorningcalla · 17/09/2025 11:21

CasualDayHasGoneTooFar · 17/09/2025 11:16

no they don't

Show quote history

Justification?

You can call the doctor and get a fit note without a consultation.

I work in a business that employers 800 people. We have stellar occupational health, 30-40% of people signed off have been deemed fit to work by doctors employed by our occupational health partner whom have all had consultations, versus being blindly signed off by their GP.

I had a doctor's appt for a throat infection as they signed me off for two weeks despite me saying I was fit to work, they're like raffle tickets and the system is so heavily abused by employees of companies that offer full sick pay benefits (public sector (OP))

CasualDayHasGoneTooFar · 17/09/2025 11:16

Sundaymorningcalla · 17/09/2025 11:12

Doctors hand these things out like leaflets. If the Op feels fit to work she can.

Show quote history

no they don't

Astrak · 17/09/2025 11:15

sparepantsandtoothbrush · 17/09/2025 10:52

If it says "not fit to work" then I wouldn't ignore it. Do school know you've got one?

If you have been given a sick note, use it. Have you consulted your GP about this? If not, I strongly suggest that you do so. Some short-term counselling might also help.

Sundaymorningcalla · 17/09/2025 11:12

PegDope · 17/09/2025 10:50

I think the very fact that you wish to ignore a three week sick note means you absolutely shouldn’t.

Take the rest you very clearly need.

Doctors hand these things out like leaflets. If the Op feels fit to work she can.

Sundaymorningcalla · 17/09/2025 11:11

TrimayrAcademy · 17/09/2025 10:49

I don’t think you can ignore a sick note, it invalidates insurance or something.

False.

Sundaymorningcalla · 17/09/2025 11:10

CasualDayHasGoneTooFar · 17/09/2025 10:47

As far as I know " was also signed off work for three weeks." you cannot ignore that? And your company (school) can't either (unless i am wrong)

You are wrong FYI.

OP - Your employer should be engaging an occupational health therapist. They will determine if you are fit to work as well as make recommendations for reasonable adjustments.

The whole not being insured if you're signed off by a doctor Is a myth.