How does a phased return to work work?

[Houseplantmad]

I was unexpectedly very poorly and hospitalised in late July and have been given a 6-8 week recovery time by the hospital Dr. It also says on my discharge notes that I should have a phased return to work.

I work term time only in a school and am due to return on 1st September but I know I still haven't recovered enough to go back full time. How does a phased return usually work please and do I need to speak to GP to authorise it and how much time I can work when I first go back? I've never been in this situation before so am unsure how it works.

Depends on your organisation’s policies.

Where I work a phased return can be agreed (depending on medical/occ health advice) for up to 6 weeks and you start at anything from 40% of your normal hours. Might not be a bad idea to see the GP - theres a space on the fit note especially for them to write about phased returns.

I'm a teacher. When I had a phased return I finished at lunchtime for two weeks.
When you return you should have a discussion with your line manager about how you feel about your recovery and return to work (although with everything that is going on, this may not happen).
If I were you I would contact my line manager now to discuss it before the start of term.

Depends where you work. When I was in HR it was structured that you had to be back to full hours in 6 weeks.
Beyond that it depended on why you were off. But what ever it was it was increased week on week (hours and days) to break you back in.
Remember to ask for review times to be put in as sometimes it needs adjusting, it should be flexible.

I agree with pp, you should contact your GP asap. They can recommend various things on your fitness to work statement.
Until you feel much better I'd hold off returning under the current circumstances.

Have you share the phased return advice with your headteacher?

Rioja, it's your line manager who will deal with it in a school, not the Head. (Unless you are SLT and the Head is your direct line manager.)

Thanks all. @Passtherioja and @ElizabethMainwaring
Yes, Head is fully aware (she's my LM) and is very supportive. I'd expected that I would start back on 1st part time but realistically I don't think I'm going to be able to do that, judging by the way I am now. It's very frustrating, especially as it was so unexpected, but I will speak to GP to get advice/formalities sorted. Thanks again.

HR person here.

Phased return can be amended hours/ days/ duties building up over a period of time to normal working arrangements.

It would be helpful if your GP or Occ Health could advise what an appropriate phased return would look like as that are the medical experts! Your GP can write it on a fit note.