Applying for new positions and notice period whilst on sick leave

[jobdrama101]

Im currently on sick leave due to a medical condition that affects my ability to do my current job. Its a mobility issue and my current job is very physical and theres no way i can return to this job currently, theres nothing the work place can put into place, and no alternative work i can do. I am able to walk around etc, i just cant do it for the 13 hours requred at my current job.

Ive now realised returning to this job long term is unlikely, and i cant remain on sick leave indefintely. I have applied for, and have interviews this week for some other positions that are remote or hybrid with a small percentage of time in an office seated. I have disclosed to the recruiter i am currently off work due to a mobility issue that affects my current job role only, that it doesnt affect my ability to do the new job. I havent had any contact with the potential employers, just the recruiters, the recruiter has stated not to mention im off sick currently at interview, as it has no baring on my ability to do the job im applying for. I also dont have a confirmed diagnosis or anything, just suspected and having investigations currently, should i get a diagnosis i will obviously disclose this, but currently, the only real symptom is my inability to walk or stand for prolonged periods, and perform the physical fast paced tasks needed in my job role.

What happens now? I have never resigned a job in this position, i have always worked my notice and left on good terms. I obviously need time between handing in my resignation, and starting a new job. The resignation notice at my current job is 8 weeks but i dont know how long i will need between the a job offer and starting at the new job - presuming i get offered one of the jobs i have applied for. My GP is aware that i cannot do my job currently. Can i just request they sign me off until the start date of my new job? Will this impact any references etc? Will it impact the new job?

Im so stressed, i need a job i can do, i cant stay on sick any longer, i cant afford to. But i also dont want to make a mistake, and jepodise the new job, then leave myself with no job at all. Or owing back any sick leave i was paid by my current employer.

Have i done anything wrong in applying for a new job, whilst signed off from my current job?

I did similar a couple of years ago. For similar reasons

The GP signed me off till the start date of my new job.

And no,. nothing wrong at all, your current employer will be glad not to have to go through the dismissal process.

What I did do was explain the situation to my new employer after I was offered the job, and they were very understanding. But it is up to you and your recruiter whether you want to do that. As long as the GP is happy you will be fine to do the new job

Thank you, honestly its so stressful, im a single parent and cant be without full time employment, im so worried about doing something wrong and ending up with no job at all or even a few weeks without employment and no money coming in. But i know returning to my current job just isnt possible so i have to find a new job before i can resign from my new one.

I totally get that.

It's not like you aren't fit for work at all. And it's not like you are faking being too sick to work this job.

So I think what you are doing is totally reasonable.

I think GPs can do fit notes now anyway, which could say you are fit for sedentary/work from home work. It would then be up to your current employer whether they find you something sedentary for the time being or you just stay off sick?

Also totally sympathise re investigations! For my diagnosis (Myasthenia)I had to have a lot of specialised tests so I went through a long period of knowing almost certainly what was wrong, and what it meant, but still waiting for the test results that would confirm it