Handing in notice when off sick

[Orchid77]

Hi there, I have been off work for the last six weeks with anxiety and depression, all linked to work related stress and then perimenopausal symptoms brought it all to a head. I have managed to get some HRT and thank goodness it’s working and I feel so much better in myself in the last two weeks. But I don’t think anything is going to change at my employers due to various reasons. Therefore in the last week or so I have been applying for new jobs and made it through to interview stage, despite feeling like a nervous wreck I did surprisingly well in the interview, and they’re now inviting me back to meet the team and I think they may offer me the job. Well, I hope they will!!!! This job is a lot less stressful so it’s perfect for me.

My worry is that I have been signed off from work until January, so when they ask how soon I can have my notice in, I don’t really know what to tell them because I’m not sure what my options are. They will obviously want somebody to start with them as soon as possible, as the person who is leaving, goes at the end of December - so the sooner I hand my notice in the better. I really don’t want to fib and say I’m on annual leave until January, but then I don’t want to over share my situation either. I feel that I could get a fit for work note, go back on a phased return to my current employer, do part time and muddle through therefore handing in my notice in next week. I’ve worked for the same company for a long time so I really don’t want to let them down (although I already feel like I am by being off work) so I don’t want to send them an email resigning whilst I’m already off sick. Or I could take the full sick note to ensure a full recovery, return in January and hand in my notice then. But, then my new employer would have to wait longer for me to join them. They will also want a reference from my employer and I do not want HRto disclose this period of sick leave at the same time of my going to them for a job. If that makes sense.

Has anyone got any advice please or been in this situ before?

thanks

If you want the job hand your notice in ASAP the. Figure out what you’re doing re longer sick note etc.

In 2018 I resigned a month into sick leave, so my notice period was during my sick leave. My new employer was very understanding.

You current employer may even allow you to finish with them earlier than the usual notice period if you ask.

I’m pretty sure HR will disclose your periods of sick leave (dates/length of time ) on a basic reference, regardless of when you hand your notice in. So at some point your new employer will find out you were off sick when you applied to them and went for your interview anyway.

If they ask when can you start, you simply tell them what your notice period is from your current employer, and arrange a start date from there.

Thanks. I think I’m going to ask my Gp for a phased return sick note to commence next week. That way I can say goodbye to my colleagues properly during my notice period and keep my hours reduced so I don’t end up back to square one. This interview has really bolstered my confidence and I feel so much better again this week. Perhaps I’d be back to work sooner than I thought even without the possibility of a new job. I also like to be as honest as I can with everyone so, this sits better with me…. Never been in this position before so thanks for for advice x

Happy new year all.

I’ve started a new job in a school. I previously worked in the NHS so I’ve no experience of taking time out in term time. I don’t mean for hair appointments etc, but for a hospital appt will they normally authorise these?

Also, as I’m only just onboarding I was hoping to use a dictaphone for the Leadership Meetings that I will have to minute, purely to help me get up to speed. In the NHS we used teams so I could access these recordings for our extensive meetings, but I don’t think this is used in the school. Does anyone have any recommendations for what is the best way to record meetings and whether you do this?

Many thanks

If using a dictaphone you need permission to record. I have found not everyone is comfortable with audio recording, I take minutes by hand (last generation to learn short hand I think!)

As far as appointments, if you work term time only you are expected wherever possible to get appointments in holidays (worth asking at hospital) or late in the day/first thing to disturb the working day as little as possible. If your role doesn't require cover if you are absent for a day then they may be more flexible

Aah thanks. Yes I do shorthand but I’m a little rusty!! Noted re appts.