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Original poster

How do you get signed off work sick?

35 replies

Whisky2014 · 17/12/2018 19:22

Do you go to gp and tell them the issues and see if they decide I should be at work or not or can I go to GP and ask to be signed off?

OP posts:
Original poster
Whisky2014 · 17/12/2018 19:22

For stress and anxiety i mean.

OP posts:
FairyBunnyAgain · 17/12/2018 19:23

Have you been off work for 7 calendar days?

HavelockVetinari · 17/12/2018 19:24

Depends - you can go and tell your GP that you feel unable to work because of your symptoms, but they make the call. If it's less than a week you don't need signing off and no employer can insist on a letter from a GP for that.

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General health
cheesywotnots · 17/12/2018 19:24

You don't need a fit note for the first 7 days of sickness, you can visit your g.p. and tell them how you feel and discuss with them if you both feel it would be better if you had some time away from work.

cloudtree · 17/12/2018 19:25

you can self cert for 7 day but given the way appointments tend to work nowadays, if you think you won't be able to go back after that time you should make an appointment asap since otherwise by day 8 you won't be covered by a certificate.

Grace212 · 17/12/2018 19:29

I think I'm interpreting your query differently than others

if you are worried the GP will say "you look fine" or some such, I would say my experience has been the opposite. I have A&D and the GP has wanted to sign me off when I've refused.

so if you go in and say you really can't cope, I would hope no GP would refuse to sign you off. Hope you are all right soon Flowers

Original poster
Whisky2014 · 17/12/2018 19:33

I'm being bullied at work and I'm newish to the role. I have trichotillomania meaning I pull my hair out and it gets worse when I'm anxious and stressed. I pulled loads out today. I feel sick at the thought of going back to work. Is that 7 working days or 7 normal days? And if they do sign you off is it usually 2 weeks stints at a time? I never want to go back :(

OP posts:
maxelly · 17/12/2018 19:37

It's 7 calendar days OP. IMO most doctors are quite willing to sign you off for at least a short period initially if you display stress/anxiety/depression type symptoms, you may find they are reaching for the 'pad' of sick notes as soon as you mention work (cynical me says that writing a sick note is one of the few things which has no direct cost to the NHS and isn't something GPs are rationed on -yet!).

They would probably give you a note for 1-2 weeks initially depending on your condition and ask to see you again if you are not better soon after that...

Hiphopopotamous · 17/12/2018 19:42

TBH it sounds like you need to find a different job.
I'm usually happy to do one 2w note without much question if overly stressed but if you just hate your job you need a long term plan.

Original poster
Whisky2014 · 17/12/2018 19:44

Yes I am applying and looking for a new job but that doesnt mean it happens quickly

OP posts:
cheesywotnots · 17/12/2018 19:45

It's horrible when you feel bullied, the doctor may sign you off with work related stress but if you're really unhappy would you consider leaving and finding something where you'd be happier. Ismtheremanyone at work you can talk to about the bullying.

LordPickle · 17/12/2018 19:48

I suppose it depends on the GP but every time I've gone to the GP (at mine we always see different ones) for anxiety, they immediately offer to sign me off for 2 weeks.

Without knowing your GP, it's hard to say but I think most would want to help you if you told them work was making you mentally unwell.

Bombardier25966 · 17/12/2018 19:49

How long have you worked for your employer?

Is it a manager or colleague that is bullying you? Have you raised the issue with anyone?

BWcastle2000 · 17/12/2018 19:52

Can you talk to someone at work? You may be able to stop the bullying.

Original poster
Whisky2014 · 17/12/2018 19:54

Yes I emailed my manager today about her called me and her up seperately then requested we go into a meeting room and he would call us for a group chat. Very uncomfortable and when he kicked off the meeting he basically let her talk and listed loads of stuff about me from over the past 6 weeks. Alot of it taken out of context or flat out lies. I tried to make comments on each item she spoke about and she just played the game. Knew exactly what to say and I got frustrated. I wasn't expecting to be attacked abd have all this stuff launched at me and so I didn't get a good opportunity to explain and also it's none of her business. I had an agreement with our manager so I'm not sure why she is interfering or taking it upon herself to make lists of my failings. I have always worked my best, received employee recognition awards at previous workplaces etc.
I'm angry my manager let her continue w8th her vitriol and basically nothing substantial it was all just like petty gossip.
So yes I tried to raise it and feel it made it worse. I ended up saying i think we should have a clean slate and our manager encouraged that so she agreed so it was left OK but now I'm home thinking of it all again with a pile of hair on my bed I'm pretty confused, angry and frustrated.

OP posts:
Original poster
Whisky2014 · 17/12/2018 19:56

Ive only been there since september. I have heard this girl has targeted other people before although not sure what happened. But I noticed our manager and her on a call after the meeting so I guess they were discussing it without me afterwards. She is keeping tabs on me. He works in a different country.

OP posts:
shamofamockery · 17/12/2018 19:59

I get that it is stressful OP, but it wouldn't be right to get signed off until you get a new job surely? That could take months.

Bombardier25966 · 17/12/2018 19:59

It's understandable that kind of meeting would trigger you.

If you have only been there a short time, are you prepared that they may dismiss you? They would still need to pay you for any notice period, but being off sick doesn't protect you from dismissal.

Original poster
Whisky2014 · 17/12/2018 20:03

Yeh i guess so :(
Yeh i can be prepared for dismissal but how can they? I haven't actually done anything wrong and surely they can't just because I am sick especially if i have a dr note?

OP posts:
candlefloozy · 17/12/2018 20:06

I was very stressed at work. I booked to see gp and just cried about everything. She said she was happy to sign me off there and then but I said there would be no point (long story). She said if I changed my mind to ring up and she would write me a note for a few weeks.

Grace212 · 17/12/2018 20:07

OP they can let you go for any reason at all in under 2 years

I was guessing that you wanted to be signed off to recover from the stress and then you would resign and/or look for a new job. Are you thinking that you would get signed off, recover and then just go back and see if you can stick it out?

Grace212 · 17/12/2018 20:08

sorry, I misspoke - I think they don't need a reason to let anyone go if they've not worked there more than 2 years.

Raven88 · 17/12/2018 20:09

Tell your doctor that you can't cope with work due to mental health and the issues at work and ask to be signed off.

Bombardier25966 · 17/12/2018 20:09

It's very easy to dismiss someone with less than two years employment. They could decide that your colleague's allegations are true and dismiss due to performance issues. The burden of proof in such a situation is low.

A sick note offers no protection from dismissal. If you're classed as disabled they may be more careful, but even then if they can seemingly attribute your dismissal due to non disability related issues then it will be lawful.

Not all employers will move straight to dismissal, but if they do make that decision it won't be difficult to action it.

SandysMam · 17/12/2018 20:10

Bear in mind a new job might ask about attendance though. You need to find a way to not give a shit. They are not your friends, they are just people you work with. Ignore ignore ignore and apply for other jobs like crazy, even something you don’t want just to get out of there. Detach yourself from them, they are nothing to you.
So sorry you are going through this.