Flexible working request while off sick

[NeonGods]

I'm currently on long term sick from work, 10 weeks, due to post Covid issues.

I'm planning to return soon, to a professional job, that I work 4 days a week at, average UK pay, but one that is extremely demanding, out of hours crisis stuff. During the 10 years I've worked there, my workload has increased considerably, and I've noticed that in similar roles elsewhere, the workload is shared among a team, whereas all the burden sits with me, there is no cover etc. The comparable roles all pay substantially more for my skills too.

I haven't enjoyed it for a while. I work alongside senior management, we all look after an area, only they are on more than double my pay, with their own teams to delegate to, which makes the crisis requirements possibly easier to handle.

I had wanted to leave my role pre Covid and work elsewhere in the same libe of work, but after what will be 3 months on sick leave, I now feel unemployable and that another employer will not want me (late 40s) with such a lengthy sick leave record. I have a good amount of experience and training in my field, and pre Covid, my attendance was consistently high, averaging 0-1 days off sick a year.

I cannot face returning to a role that was so stressful. I would like to reduce my hours further to 3 or 2.5 days (maybe job share?) so that I could try my hand at freelance work on 2 days a week (my area of work lends itself well to this) and maybe build up a business that I could do full time eventually, given that I feel no other employer would want to take me on now.

Am I able to submit a flexible working application while off sick, or would I need to wait until my return?

Is this a sensible plan (the alternative, as I am now unattractive to employers, would be to leave and just take any job)?

Thanks in advance.

I really cannot see that having 1 semi long-term bout of sickness is going to damage your employability, especially considering its covid related.

Thanks. I just assumed that I might sound like too much of a gamble for employers, given my age too, in case they were worried I'd struggle if I caught Covid again.

It's such a long period of absence.

You can submit a flexible working request whilst off sick yes, in fact very common due to having to change working as a result of the sickness.

Thanks. Presumably, the request will focus more on the proposed working pattern and how this can meet business needs, rather than on my individual circumstances and wanting to cut back for health and wellbeing?

A new work place doesn't need to see your sick record unless there is something relevant there for them.

Most places now will only give a reference that confirms employment dates and job title.

It's good to have a Google OP as it can be turned down if it's not operationally possible to do your job flexibly. You request it in writing & why then should be invited to a meeting in which It's good to go into it with points on how it's possible, evidence why it's necessary and ideally operationally in your employer's best interest.

You could also have a discussion with occupational health who might be able to recommend a plan to return to work. How have work been coping without you there?

Thanks for the replies.
Twizbe that's reassuring to hear.

Minister yes, I will do some research and look at the options. The last time I submitted a request was in a previous job following maternity leave, so ir's been a while!

Cattitudes I'm not sure how they've been getting on to be honest. HR call me every fortnight, but don't really mention the operational side of things, so I'm not sure how cover is being mrt.
I was hoping that OH would be a good platform to discuss the strains of the work.

You don't have to disclose your sickness record. They can only ask about it after they have offered you the role and then only in terms of what they need to know to support you. You've been employed by x even whilst on sick, don't mention it.

Thanks Hairy I have a vague recollection of being asked at interview (maybe 20 years ago?) how many sick days I'd had over the last year, I think this has triggered my concern.
The responses are making me feel much more positive about this.

@NeonGods ask your doctor to recommend a reduced working pattern which the employer will need to adhere to at least temporarily in order to make a reasonable adjustment

On references (education) I do sometimes have to say how many absences someone has had over the past year.
We are counting Covid-related absences separately, and explaining cold-type absences which would not have happened pre-Covid either (we don't want anyone in with a cough triggering even more PCRs and related absences).

[quote Oncebittentwice]@NeonGods ask your doctor to recommend a reduced working pattern which the employer will need to adhere to at least temporarily in order to make a reasonable adjustment[/quote]
Thanks - this is a great suggestion.

@Scarby9

On references (education) I do sometimes have to say how many absences someone has had over the past year. We are counting Covid-related absences separately, and explaining cold-type absences which would not have happened pre-Covid either (we don't want anyone in with a cough triggering even more PCRs and related absences).

Thanks - I do wonder how Covid absences will be recorded.