to try and find another job whilst off sick? Legally, what happens?

[CovidConfused123]

I have had terrible long Covid symptoms which I’m now coming out the other side of luckily after private treatment.
Sadly I went back to work and had a terrible experience with my line manager which has left me in tears and I’m now off again - long story but they basically filled my role without telling me and shoved me somewhere else.
If I now look for another job and am lucky enough to be offered one whilst off sick what happens to working notice etc?
Many thanks

If you're signed off sick though your current employer can't force you to come in. They also can't delay your notice period until you're well again.

You wouldn't be able to start work with the new employer until the notice period is over though.

So theoretically I could find a new job, give notice to my old one without having to return and then can start the new job?
I’m not sure what happens money wise as I’m on half pay currently not SSP yey

yet

Bump

You need to be wary OP - a friend of mine (teacher) was on long term sick for stress and was job hunting, when she was offered a role it was rescinded as her current employer put details of her sick leave in the reference.

Why are you off sick again? Are you still sick or are you using "stress" because you're upset they've moved your role?

My advice would be go back and show the that you're able to resume your normal substantive role.

I assume they moved you because they need someone reliable and in work in your position. You can't blame them for that. Once you're back and reliably in, then I think you are within your rights to argue you should be back in your old role/team.

They will give you a reference but it may say you were recently off sick for a long period of time, that won't look good.

Are you signed off sick? Do you have a docs note, or are you self certifying?
From my understanding, you'd need to either work your notice or it would be covered by a sick note. But maybe you'd be able to negotiate it down? That would be between you and your employer.
Am I right in believing your return to work was very recent (today or yesterday?). If so, perhaps you could have a chat with someone before jumping in to resignation.

Be careful. Most reference requests will ask specific questions about sick leave. You might be better trying the new role and applying from it. On the positive side, the new grade will broaden your experience. Or you might like the new class and teacher.