Is it unusual to be given six weeks off work with stress

[User60071]

Or is the doctor likely to refuse to give a long sick note?

Completely situation dependant

You're unlikely to get a six week note based on one appointment, but it's not unusual to be off that long in total. Also the GP will decide the length of time the note is issued for, not the patient.

Completely depends. I was signed off for two lots of four and then two weeks (GP wanted another four weeks but work we're getting a bit shitty). Yes. They're like that.

Were not we're

It’s unusual to be given it as a block. Doctors tend to prefer to see people every two weeks or so when where there are stress issues, to ensure they’re being monitored and managed.

A lot of companies also won’t accept certs that cover a period of more than two weeks (or four for in-patient care) as, again, they’ll want evidence that the employee is managing their illness, and under regular medical supervision.

I've had a month before.

A colleague had a Fit Note for 6 weeks, following a couple of other for shorter periods. Back at work now.

Thanks for all replies seems it's not that rare.

Why? Is this for you?

I know someone who was signed off for longer than six weeks but it was in two week chunks.

Their employer completely failed to address the cause of the stress. When they thought they could return, they would need to extend again because the source of the stress remained.

Until that is tackled, you can’t expect them to come back.

Dh was off for a few months, in 4 week blocks. I don't think it's that unusual.

I would say it is yes as most people are only off two weeks. The people who are off longer are usually those who are looking for another job.

I don’t think fhat’s true at all, it depends on the workplace. In the public sector its is entirely likely to have people signed off that long and longer, although as others have said usually in smaller blocks so the doctor can keep an eye on you. When this happened to me, an HR colleague did point to research that suggested if people are off for more than 6 weeks it can be very hard to come back, but again, it’s entirely dependent on the situation and the person.

It's just from my personal experience that when people are off a significant timet they don't tend to return.

I have a colleague who has been off since mid-August (NHS).

I of course don't know how it's being managed, I do know that they have been to Occy Health, and I also know they have set up an unrelated business during their absence! (NHS sick pay is quite generous, which imo is fair enough, forming as it does part of the remuneration package: poor pay/ (what used to be) good T&Cs).

Personally, given the appalling state of NHS middle-management, and given that this person is one of five in one dept alone off on stress-leave, I hope their business takes off and that they never have to come back.