Do I get signed off sick or do I ask for furlough?

[Xmaswhy]

I know many people are dealing with their own issues but I thought I would ask here for advice.

I’ve been off work since January 2020 on maternity, I’m due back to work next Monday. I requested from work already to be part time which they refused. I have an older child in year 6. Her school is obviously closed and I have no one else to help with her whilst I work.

My question is do I go to the doctors and get signed off sick with anxiety and depression. Something I am struggling with and been signed off before or do I ask my work. Who aren’t an essential workplace but an office who will not let anyone work from home if I can be furloughed? I’m scared as I’ve been on maternity and no one else has been furloughed that they will sack me for requesting?

None of these options are ideal but I’m really stuck

If you are genuinely ill then I would ask the doctor for a sick note, but what will your back up plan be if he only gives you a couple of weeks?
Your employer can say no to furlough, i would think it would look rather suspicious if you then throw a sick note in - or you might not be bothered what they think!
They cant sack you for asking to be furloughed.

Think everyone has anxiety over the situation at the moment. I would ask for furlough.

Ask for furlough, paid sick leave may well be limited.

One thing worth noting however is that furlough is no guarantee of extended time off, you could be called back at any point if needed.

I don’t know your job so have no idea how likely or unlikely that scenario is, but where I am we have been told to advise colleagues that although furloughed until x date that if needed we can call them back in with 24hrs notice. This is why we cannot furlough those off sick, as they are not available for work.

I would imagine that there will be a requirement for us to call some people back in before the end of furlough as they are alot of variables that can affect the levels we require. Your work could be different though obviously, I’m only basing it on my own sector.

Your employers are gits. this isn't going to change.

They will refuse your request to be furloughed.

You only have the right to return under the same terms as you had before ML.

I think you need to find a new flexible part-time position which is compatible with the rest of your responsibilities.

Although getting signed off sick is an option, having an extended period off sick will hamper your efforts to get a new job so it is worth avoiding if possible.

Can you make ends meet if you are without work for a few months while you find a new job, if you just resign?

I am searching every day for a new job, I won’t be able to make ends meet without my job unfortunately.

What childcare did you have organised for your lo? Is either father in the picture?

Could you extend to a year mat leave, plus annual leave and 4 weeks parental leave ( if funds allow) x

Their dad is in the picture but he’s moved away, he’s an essential worker so he can’t help. My baby has a nursery place it’s just my older child I don’t have any child care for.

If their dad is a key worker you should be able to get a school place?