Would I need a fit note?

[MeredithGrey1]

This is a hypothetical question as I’m really hoping it isn’t needed.

I’ve been signed off for the past 6 weeks (self certified for a week then fit notes from the doctor) and am due to go back in tomorrow. I was signed off for mental health reasons mainly, (although there is a physical health issue which is complicating the matter, the physical health issue would not normally require time off and is still ongoing) so I’m finding it impossible to tell how I will cope tomorrow and won’t really know until I’m there. I’m hoping it will all be fine and although I know it will be difficult going back I really want to make it work. However I have to be realistic as to the extent the physical health issue is affecting my mental health, and there is a possibility that I will not cope at all tomorrow. So my question is, if I go in tomorrow but on Tuesday am unable to go in would I need a fit note because of the previous absence, or does coming in for a day “reset” the clock back to being able to self certify for 7 days?

(Despite the Dr putting on the fit notes that I might be fit for work if I could work from home, or work reduced hours, HR refused those so it’s back to work full time or nothing.)

It'll reset back to you being able to self cert but it'll also count as two separate periods of absence. Do you know how they monitor sickness eg Braden scale? It would generally be better though if you stayed off until you're definitely ready to go back so if you don't feel up to it, stay off and get the doctor to cover you for this week as well.

Thanks. Honestly I have no idea why I was so coy about defining the “physical health issue”, when I could easily have just said that it’s pregnancy, and the fit notes from the doctor confirm pregnancy related sickness. So I think I’m right in saying that Bradford scale wouldn’t apply (or at least doesn’t matter as they can’t count pregnancy related sickness in with other sickness?), and I am keen to get back because I don’t otherwise I worry I’m at risk of being off this whole pregnancy!

But thanks for confirming, my GP definitely would sign me off again if I went back but I don’t want to take up any unnecessary appointments when I could self certify (if it comes to that).

Ah ok. Different ballgame when you're pregnant! Take whatever you need off without worrying about your sickness levels then. If you go in tomorrow and are off Tues, self cert it. If you don't go in get the sickline extended. I know not everyone will feel comfortable telling their employer they're pregnant but if you can it'll make life so much easier on you.

Don't be afraid to go home early tomorrow if you find that it's all too much.

I was off sick for a week, went back but only managed a couple of hours before I started to feel too unwell to work, so I went home and ended up taking a second week off.

Given that there are MH issues as well as a physical issue I think it's really important that you don't push yourself too hard, pace yourself and prioritise self care.

Hope you're getting the support and treatment you need.

Actually as the two periods would link together for SSP purposes, your employer may very well insist on a fit note if you're in for one day then off again, especially as it's the same incapacity.

Hmm @isleepinahedgefund I hadn’t thought of that. As I said, my GP wouldn’t have a problem writing a new note, particularly if I went in and found I couldn’t cope. I just hate taking up their time if I don’t have to. I’ve been referred to mental health services so wouldn’t need to see my GP for any extra support, would only be for the note.

I would assume they will want a fit note. Don't feel bad about taking up your GP's time, that's what they're there for. My GP surgery has a policy that once you've been issued a fit note in person, you can ring up for a new one rather than see them, and sometimes you don't even need to be seen - maybe yours does the same, would it put your mind at ease a bit if you knew how it works? If so, give them a call tomorrow (not first thing, 10:30 or so when the rush has stopped!) and find out, or maybe their policy is on their website. Sometimes, knowing what the score is makes all the difference when it's a MH issue.

I hope it goes well for you tomorrow, please come back and update as to how you get on.