Signed off from work

[Irishgene]

I have two jobs...one employed by a large workplace and the other is my own business that I run by myself.

Can I be signed off from my job due to my mental health but continue with my own business? I'd be getting paid from my job on sick pay.

It's nothing that my employer has done in particular but I have generalised anxiety disorder and I get panic attacks and intrusive thoughts when thinking about the place. However, my own business relaxes me and I love it.

I have handed my notice in to leave but find the thought of going there unbearable and want to just not go back.

Anxiety really is rubbish!

Your employment contract will probably say you're not allowed to work for any other business whilst off sick.

Did you need permission to have / work in another business whilst employed? Not everyone does, but I do, for conflict of interest checks but also my working hours are monitored so I'm not in conflict with the day job.

Can you make whatever you make, but not be making it publically known?

What does your contract state about second jobs is the first thing to check.

Hi, no, I'm fine to be working elsewhere or have my own business as there isn't a conflict.

My colleagues know about my business but it's fairly low key and there's no way they'd necessarily know I'm doing it....though I'm sure they will know if you know what I mean!

Doesn't matter really if there's a conflict of interest - what does your contract say about secondary employment?

Most state specifically that if you're sick, you must not work for another employer. In my work it would be gross misconduct without permission.

If you are sick, but have put in your notice, just keep your other work very low key and don't talk to people about it or put it on Facebook etc.

Yes your can.

You can be fit to work in one role but not well enough for another, be that for physical or mental health reasons.

Whether you're allowed to have a second job in the first place is another matter (and many people have no choice but to work two jobs)