AIBU to ignore my sick note?

[mumisfull]

I have Generalised Anxiety Disorder. I am struggling. Yesterday, I went to the doctor to increase my anxiety meds and was also signed off work for three weeks.

Today I feel like I can ignore the sick note. I work part time as a teacher and it’s going to be harder to be off and then catch up.

Can I do that? Has anyone else done this?

As far as I know " was also signed off work for three weeks." you cannot ignore that? And your company (school) can't either (unless i am wrong)

😭😭😭 yabvu

Take the time to rest! Your work would simply hire a new teacher if you died due to stress.

A sick note doesn't mean you HAVE to be off work. If you feel you can go back before then that's fine. You don't actually have to use the sick note if you don't want to.

I don’t think you can ignore a sick note, it invalidates insurance or something.

Isn’t it up to you when you return to work? I usually return way before a fit note ends. Can’t see how an employer can stop you if you believe you are fit enough to go back.

I think the very fact that you wish to ignore a three week sick note means you absolutely shouldn’t.

Take the rest you very clearly need.

If it says "not fit to work" then I wouldn't ignore it. Do school know you've got one?

Not true in teaching for sure. You can return early if you wish.
OP, take the time off. I know teaching is a job where it seems easier to be in than out, but if you need the time, do take it.
As someone else said, everyone is replaceable at work.

Legally, it is ok for you to decide to go to work despite the fit for work (sick) note.

If the school know about the fit for work note saying you’re not fit for work for three weeks then they can’t let you work (insurance, duty of care etc).

Think really carefully before you work when you’re not well enough to do so. Not only do you risk your health getting worse, but you risk underperforming due to your health and then you’ll find yourself in hot water with your employer. Dealing with a performance issue at work alongside your elevated GAD isn’t going to help things, and could quickly spiral in to unemployment.

Take care of yourself first. Your school will manage without you.

You can absolutely ignore it and go back to work. But I really wouldn’t if I were you. Maybe take a week, see how you feel and take another if you need it. Getting anxious about your workload isn’t going to help, and actually 2-3 weeks is enough time that anything urgent that comes up whilst you’re off will have been dealt with and you can go back afresh.

In my work we wouldn’t allow you to work if signed off

If your employer knows you’ve been signed off they can’t ignore it and shouldn’t let you work. If you choose to lie and not mention it they won’t know, but I wouldn’t do that as a doctor clearly feels you need the time off (and what happens if they find out). Take time and have the break op.

You are wrong FYI.

OP - Your employer should be engaging an occupational health therapist. They will determine if you are fit to work as well as make recommendations for reasonable adjustments.

The whole not being insured if you're signed off by a doctor Is a myth.

False.

Doctors hand these things out like leaflets. If the Op feels fit to work she can.

If you have been given a sick note, use it. Have you consulted your GP about this? If not, I strongly suggest that you do so. Some short-term counselling might also help.

no they don't

Justification?

You can call the doctor and get a fit note without a consultation.

I work in a business that employers 800 people. We have stellar occupational health, 30-40% of people signed off have been deemed fit to work by doctors employed by our occupational health partner whom have all had consultations, versus being blindly signed off by their GP.

I had a doctor's appt for a throat infection as they signed me off for two weeks despite me saying I was fit to work, they're like raffle tickets and the system is so heavily abused by employees of companies that offer full sick pay benefits (public sector (OP))

I wasn’t allowed when l was teaching. It invalidates stuff.

Good to know - I am way out of date!! :-)

3.9 You should go back to work as soon as you feel able to and with your employer’s agreement – this may be before your fit note expires. If you are receiving health-related benefit, then you can speak to your Jobcentre or work coach to discuss possible work opportunities. You do not need to go back to see your healthcare professional before going back to work.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-fit-note-a-guide-for-patients-and-employees/the-fit-note-guidance-for-patients-and-employees

They really do.

They don't where I live - but obviously different GPs work differently in different areas

I ignored sick notes issued by my GP. I became much more ill as a result. I'd advise you not to do it.

This. You could have refused sick note at GP surgery at the time but now it's too late unless you go back to go and tell them you feel better and can return to work and get a fit note.

I had anxiety, and I had good and bad days. So although today you might be feeling good, you may end up struggling again. I'd take at least a week and see how you get on.