Return to work before sick note ends

[sicknote1]

I have been ill with a chest infection, my immune system has been rubbish since covid & I'm constantly below par.

My doctor signed me off sick, I am feeling better before and the sick note lasts until Tuesday, so I'm due back on Wednesday. I think I'd be well enough to return on Monday.

But I don't want to go back early, I feel like I need a couple of days of doing nothing to prepare me for going back. Especially as I've been feeling generally low-level rough for ages.

Would it be pretty awful of me to stay off until the end of my sick note? My doctor said I can go back earlier if I feel up to it.

One period of sickness is one period of sickness. They'll cope without you. Don't rush back, get yourself well.

I don't approve of folk skiving when they are well enough to work. But in your case I think you should take the extra two days because you have had a nasty chest infection and are generally run down. Take the time off.

Some workplaces won’t let you back until the sick note has expired , so I don’t think you’d be unreasonable to stay at home for that extra few days.
Its in no one’s interest for you to return before you feel strong enough.

You would need another note from your gp to say you are fit for work so that's more hassle , just use the extra days to make yourself well enough to go back properly or you might have to go off again .

Thanks all - don't feel as guilty now.

I think legally you have to stick to the sick note

I always made the mistake of going back early and it takes longer to recover. So I take as much time as I need now.

Also your sick note covers you so I would take the time to rest and let your body recover as much as possible while you have the chance.