Extending a sick note for work

[Rhinohorn]

I've been signed off for 3 weeks after having an operation. My current sick note expires next week. I am not ready to go back to work as I still feel unable to work due to the op. My GP won't issue a future dated sick note. This means I have to reach the date of my current sick note and then request an extension.

How is this going to work for giving sick notice to my employer? Currently, up until the last day of the current sick note, they will be expecting me back. On this date I will then need to request a sick note extension which I have been told can take up to 72 hours to process. This means that on the last day of my current sick note I will need to let my employer know I'll still be off. But I can't say how long I'll be off for as I won't have the details of the extended sick note at that point. What if my GP doesn't approve the extension? I just feel this is all very last minute notice for my employer for me to possibly be having another week off.

Tell your employer now that you will be off longer, and that you'll supply an updated sick note when the current one runs out.

Can’t you just tell your employer that you still aren’t recovered, will see the doctor again on x date and will update after that? That lets them know you won’t be in so they can plan, without committing to anything you don’t know yet.

Tell your employer in advance. My Gp surgery has a request sickline extension on website. So you request in advance, explain why etc. Then they review and fitnote extension is emailed to you on the day you need it. They don’t advertise this though.