Sick after maternity leave

[Amarie321]

I am a school teacher currently on maternity leave. I am due to go back to work in a few weeks but don’t know if I physically or mentally can. I have an older child that is disabled and has been having issues surrounding sleep amongst other things. We are getting these addressed but will take a couple of months. I have tried explaining this to work and asked for support and reduced hours for a period of time but was rejected. I am so stressed about this as I would like to return to work and can’t afford not to. Am I able to be signed off straight after maternity leave for a couple of months until we get some things sorted? Does anyone have any experience of this?

I really sympathise but this doesn’t sound like the sort of thing sick pay should be for. You are struggling to see how you can work with your two children, that is different. However, I know plenty of doctors will give people fit notes for stress in this kind of situation. It is a shame your school won’t consider a phased return. Could you get a doctor to write a fit note recommending a phased return? Your school might take you more seriously then. Good luck.

@Holdonforsummer
it’s more about avoiding burnout before it happens and then having to take longer off. I have three children and have worked fine for years, my eldest is just having some problems which means I’m not sleeping more than 3 or 4 hours of broken sleep a night. I just don’t see how I can work on such little sleep and be expected to be okay. Once new medication is started for my child he’ll be fine and I’ll be able to return as normal.

This exact situation happened to me. I was signed off for 6 weeks after my mat leave ended. My employer at the time was supportive regarding this. I think you have to do what's right for you and know your limitations. Sleep was a huge factor for me too and I was supported by the perinatal mental health team who signed me off. When I returned to work I felt much better and able to cope.

I went back 3 weeks ago, and needed to take a day of sick day (stomach-bug) and I received £3.22 pay for that day, as I had only 1 day holiday pay in the last 8 weeks.
I know it wasn’t your question just wanted to point it out that after maternity leave you would get only pennies if you took a year off.

edit: we only get ssp

@Marie324 yeah I just can’t work out what’s best right now and I’m quite stressed out about it! Thanks for your comment!

@Dobcaty oh that’s not good, are you a teacher? I’m entitled to my full sick leave when I return to work, I’ve already checked this.

No, I’m not…currently hospitality manager with good salary but poor benefits and conditions 😩