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AIBU?

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Original poster

What to do about work :(

181 replies

Queenie6655 · 05/03/2021 18:58

Hello all

Just wondering really what to do
Work in a very pressurised job
Usually love it
We are very short staffed and it has been tough going

Well - I got covid 10 weeks ago
Slowly gaining energy
Mornings I tend to feel ok (some of the time)

Work are really short staffed and I said I would try my best to be back on Monday
My brain fog is really quite bad (zero concentration , some blurred vision)
My energy by afternoon is really limited

I feel so bad to let them down
And I worry that I should just be over this by now
So Monday do I
Ring gp and explain all this
Or
Try to get myself back to work and see how it is for a few weeks???

Any advice would be so so much appreciated xxxx

OP posts:
Original poster
Queenie6655 · 27/03/2021 14:40

Just to update doctor suggested possible return on a phased basis later in April

Work want to discuss my work to do ASAP
:(

Makes me feel so unwell

OP posts:
Original poster
Queenie6655 · 27/03/2021 18:42

Can't I just discuss work with them when I'm officially signed off??

OP posts:
Original poster
Queenie6655 · 27/03/2021 18:43

Back from being signed off and not when I'm off sick

OP posts:
Youngatheart00 · 27/03/2021 19:49

Other than communicating regarding the medical advice you’ve been given and sharing documents and timescales relating to that, you are NOT obliged to discuss any work matters with them!

RandomMess · 27/03/2021 23:11

To you have Occ Health at work?

Ask for a referral.

Absolutely do not discuss work with them, only you what you have to. End of April is a POSSIBLE return date for a phased return.

Embra · 27/03/2021 23:37

Why are you so scared to actually have a conversation with them? Explain your health and condition. Ask them for support and how to make it gradual return. Maybe it’s possible for work to get replacement as temp etc. if you are not comfortable discussing this maybe you need to change jobs.

Original poster
Queenie6655 · 28/03/2021 21:49

I'm not scared to speak to them
I just still feel unwell and was hoping that closer to the date we could see if I am able for one hour at least per day

They want to have a list of work set out for me to do and to discuss this with them and send lists back and forward even though I'm still signed off
Surely this is odd right?
Or is it just me??

OP posts:
Original poster
Queenie6655 · 28/03/2021 21:53

How long do I need to be off to make a referral to our OH dept? It is a local authority

OP posts:
Youngatheart00 · 28/03/2021 21:56

@Queenie6655 I’ll repeat what I said upthread - you are obliged to keep them updated at regular intervals on your condition (I’d say no more than weekly) and perhaps a week before your phased return discuss the basis of your return. But they should not be sending you lists of work or having any ‘work related’ conversations with you!!! Stand firm!!!

Original poster
Queenie6655 · 28/03/2021 22:00

Ok that is so useful
Bloody covid
My brain isn't even back to normal so sorry if I have asked things over and over

Been stressing out all weekend over this and now I feel exhausted
So what can I say about the two phone calls they have lined up this week?
I have already emailed many things to them
Wish I could keep my distance to recover and then speak to them before I go back (in line with what the doctor suggested 😢😢😢😢)

OP posts:
Misty9 · 28/03/2021 22:06

You should be able to self refer to occupational health at any time

Original poster
Queenie6655 · 28/03/2021 22:10

Ah ok didn't know that

Thank you

OP posts:
Misty9 · 28/03/2021 22:11

Don't know if you've seen this too www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk/

Original poster
Queenie6655 · 28/03/2021 22:21

Great that is actually so so helpful

OP posts:
RandomMess · 28/03/2021 23:23

Email and cancel the phone calls "I'm not well enough to discuss work, I feel exhausted and completely stressed. I will update you in a weeks time as to how I am"

Geez they are harassing you and it isn't ok!

NeilBuchananisBanksy · 29/03/2021 20:57

Op, have you spoken to HR?

You've had lots of good advice. I don't understand why it's got so far as them arranging phone calls for you to do.

Email and say no and copy HR in. You need to help yourself here. Sorry, I know I'm being harsh but this has been going on for far too long.

Copy HR into everything. They shouldn't be harassing you like this.

Original poster
Queenie6655 · 30/03/2021 13:57

Hello all

Yes followed the advice here

Will contact them just before I am due to go back to let them know how I am
Work conversations will happen when I am officially back at work !!

OP posts:
Original poster
Queenie6655 · 30/03/2021 14:48

To be honest they have been horrible about it all

So so worried now about my return

Not sure why they think it is ok to do this

OP posts:
RandomMess · 30/03/2021 16:38

Because they are arseholes??

Just email weekly and cc in HR "no update yet" then you have covered yourself in terms of keeping in touch.

Do they have a policy on paid phased returns at all? Ask for a copy of it if you don't have one.

There is no certainty you will be returning after the current sick note runs out. Do not be pressurised by the GP or work to go back unless you are actually better.

Just because 90% of others were "fine" after Covid doesn't mean you are.

Thanks
ICouldHaveCheckedFirst · 30/03/2021 16:45

Your manager is causing you stress by asking about work when you are already sick. Tell HR, please.

Original poster
Queenie6655 · 30/03/2021 17:35

Thank you so so much guys

Very much appreciated
All of this clear advice

Been so ill
It is not fair to treat staff like this and it has opened my eyes to many things at work so am handing my notice in

Is there ever an issue with being sick during a notice period??
Hope not !!

OP posts:
ICouldHaveCheckedFirst · 30/03/2021 18:00

Hmm, please discuss with your GP - and tell them why. You are already ill, and work are creating work-related stress.

You have told us you can barely think straight. This is not the time for such a big decision.

Talk to your GP.
Talk to Occ Health.
Talk to HR.

Original poster
Queenie6655 · 30/03/2021 18:06

So very true

I will do

OP posts:
Winter2020 · 30/03/2021 18:31

Hi OP,
In your original post you say you usually enjoy your job? Just like it feels like all your hard work has been forgotten when you are off sick your sickness will be forgotten when you are better.

I don't think you should leave your job while you are sick - won't this put you under financial pressure? Did you say you work for the local authority? What is the sick policy? Have you asked for a copy? It might be if you have been there a while the sick pay is 6 months full and six months half pay. Why make things hard for yourself financially by leaving?

Perhaps feeling so fed up by it you would leave could be freeing. Once you have that perspective you have nothing to lose. Just follow the policy (get hold of a copy) e.g. keeping in touch and while you are ill stay off. You don't help yourself if you waver as it gives the impression that you could be persuaded back. If you can't have a normal "good day" at home without it leading to several "bad days" then you are no way ready to return. Be clear that you are not ready to return.

Original poster
Queenie6655 · 30/03/2021 18:53

@Winter2020 that is so very true

Maybe I just need more time

No hassle from them

And for me to be CLEAR that I do not want to discuss work with them

Not sure how sick pay works to be honest
Need to check that one out

Just had some bad days so going back in the next few weeks does not seem likely

Damn you covid 😢😢😢😢😢😢

OP posts:
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