Pressured to ignore GP recommendations after return to work...

[Startingagainandagain]

I have just recently returned to work after being off sick for 2 months.

The GP agreed that I could go back to work but stated that I was fit to work only if I could work from home/avoided travelling (travelling to the office is a 2 hour commute each way). She then said we would review how I was coping in a month at my next appointment.

I provided a copy of the GP note with her recommendation for home working as an adjustment while I continue to get well to HR and my manager on the my first day back.

Almost immediately the pressure started from my manager to attend the office and events, including in the late evenings ones, and queries as to how 'flexible' I could be about travelling and also questions when I would expect to be fully fit.

Today I was told I would be referred to occupational health and I am also concerned about that.

Basically I had a complete breakdown two months ago and (trigger warning), I made practical plans to end my life. The GP and the mental health crisis team literally saved me after I reached out to them at the last minute. I am on medication and will receive weekly counselling now that the Crisis Team has discharged me.

The fact that I had a history of depression/mental health issues was already in my HR file as I had declared my long term health condition a while back. They know full well I was under the mental health Crisis Team care while I was on sick leave but my fit notes did not mention the suicidal plans as I did not want them to know.

Could anyone advise me as to how to address this?

Also can I trust Occupational Health to not disclose the suicide attempt to my employer if I share that with them? I would also like to discuss the fact that my employer is currently making things worse with their current behaviour but again wonder if that would be kept confidential...

My long term plan is to leave this job because this environment played a part in my depression, but until that happens I would really appreciate any advice on where I stand legally if they keep pushing me and the best way to approach the Occupational Health Assessment....

That sounds really stressful to be dealing with that, and they shouldn’t be putting pressure on you, but I think it’s probably best to get proper advice. I hope you can find the advice you need and things improve for you

https://www.acas.org.uk/contact

Hi Op,

Sorry to hear about what’s been going on. ❤️

The idea of occupational health is that it is independent and you will still be able to retain some control. You can ask to see a copy of the letter before it’s shared with your employer. Speak to the person doing the assessment and tell them there might be some information you want to keep private and can disclose to them but don’t want it written in their report. They will be looking to answer questions your employer has given and should only include what is needed.

I would try and be firm with your employer that you are trying to recover from a long period of illness and don’t want to go against your doctors advice. Say a very clear back to work plan has been set up and it’s important that you stick to it. If the pressure continues I would speak to HR if you can.

The OH will make recommendations but they shouldn’t really go against your doctor if they are told about existing plans.

If work is a big part of the issue concentrate on just doing the minimum needed and trying to focus on yourself and looking for something new when you can.

xx

I'm sorry that you are in this position, and I agree with what you've been told already. But just to counterbalance the advice, you should be aware that the GP's recommendations are just that - advice. The employer is free to ignore them and if they do, then you are not fit for work. That is how these fit note advisories work - if the employer takes the advice you are able to work, but if they don't you are still unfit for work. I don't think the employer is acting wisely or well here, but to be fair I also don't know what the work context is or why they might find those recommendations not to their liking. I do, however, think it is important that you understand that side of it because it may have implications for you.

I do wonder why your long term plan is to leave if the workplace is contributing to you poor mental health? Would it not be better to look to move as soon as you can? Staying can't be good for you, and whatever the ins and outs of this all are, it doesn't sound like a very good fit for your needs.

Thank you so much everyone for taking the time to reply and for all the good advice.

The plan is absolutely to leave and I started apply for other roles this weekend but I do have a long notice period (3 months) so even if I find somewhere else I will still be in this role for a few more months.

I will make sure that I tell the person conducting the assessment that I am disclosing with them some information that are useful to the procedure but that I then don't want to be passed on to the employer.

I had had an initial conversation with Citizen Advice before going back to work because the employer was also being difficult while I was on sick leave (things like saying I had not sent in my fit note...) and had already failed to put on reasonable adjustment in 0place a few months ago (before I went off sick) so I will get back to them for further support.

Under the circumstances your notice period might be negotiable, especially if you happened to suddenly feel very ill once you obtained another job. Although that may not be a good idea if more sick leave impacts on your reference etc. But it also may not. Just something to think about.