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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to ignore my sick note?

37 replies

mumisfull · 17/09/2025 10:43

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?

OP posts:
Purplecatshopaholic · 17/09/2025 11:00

If your employer knows you’ve been signed off they can’t ignore it and shouldn’t let you work. If you choose to lie and not mention it they won’t know, but I wouldn’t do that as a doctor clearly feels you need the time off (and what happens if they find out). Take time and have the break op.

luckylavender · 17/09/2025 10:57

In my work we wouldn’t allow you to work if signed off

Nodlikeyouwerelistening · 17/09/2025 10:56

You can absolutely ignore it and go back to work. But I really wouldn’t if I were you. Maybe take a week, see how you feel and take another if you need it. Getting anxious about your workload isn’t going to help, and actually 2-3 weeks is enough time that anything urgent that comes up whilst you’re off will have been dealt with and you can go back afresh.

HappyAsASandboy · 17/09/2025 10:55

Legally, it is ok for you to decide to go to work despite the fit for work (sick) note.

If the school know about the fit for work note saying you’re not fit for work for three weeks then they can’t let you work (insurance, duty of care etc).

Think really carefully before you work when you’re not well enough to do so. Not only do you risk your health getting worse, but you risk underperforming due to your health and then you’ll find yourself in hot water with your employer. Dealing with a performance issue at work alongside your elevated GAD isn’t going to help things, and could quickly spiral in to unemployment.

Take care of yourself first. Your school will manage without you.

SabbatWheel · 17/09/2025 10:54

TrimayrAcademy · 17/09/2025 10:49

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

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.

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?

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.

BuffetTheDietSlayer · 17/09/2025 10:50

Isn’t it up to you when you return to work? I usually return way before a fit note ends. Can’t see how an employer can stop you if you believe you are fit enough to go back.

TrimayrAcademy · 17/09/2025 10:49

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

MummaMummaMumma · 17/09/2025 10:49

A sick note doesn't mean you HAVE to be off work. If you feel you can go back before then that's fine. You don't actually have to use the sick note if you don't want to.

mumofoneAloneandwell · 17/09/2025 10:47

😭😭😭 yabvu

Take the time to rest! Your work would simply hire a new teacher if you died due to stress.

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)