Broken back whilst on mat leave

[cheekychopsmum]

My 9 months mat leave is due to come to an end in sept and I am about to contact my employee to discuss returning to work. I would like to do jobshare and not sure how this will go down. Am giving them enough time to recruit a jobshare partner? I broke my back in March and have been struggling looking after my baby with the pain and am due to go back to the docs next week to see if there is anything further I can do to help the pain and aid recovery (Physio told me last week that there is nothing they can do for me, can't take pain killers as b/fing). Am wondering how I will cope with returning to work. (It takes a couple of hours in the morning for the muscles to loosen up and don't get any sleep with the pain at night - baby sleeps all night no probs there) So getting to the point.... I am thinking of discussing with doc about sick leave, but worried about work and if it is even possible. Can anyone advise if you can go on sick leave after maternity leave? Sorry for the long windedness, dificult to get my brain in gear. Also how would this work in terms of giving notice of returning to work etc?

Yeah, it's been pretty bad! Watch yourselves when walking down the stairs!

I believe sick leave is just the same as it ould be had you not been off work. You should get the same time off under the same terms and not be affected by your maternity leave.

cheekychopsmum there are really two entirely different issues here.

First the back (). Yes you can go on sick leave after maternity leave - the timing makes no difference, either you are fit for work or you are not.

In terms of giving notice when you are returning to work, if you want to go back to work (either working or off sick) earlier than a year then you must give 28 days notice in writing of your intention to do so.

I would think you really need to speak to the doctor about whether he/she feels you are fit for work now, and whether he/she feels you will be fit for work come September. Then take it from there. If he/she feels you shouldn't go back and is happy to sign you off sick for x period of time, that's fine.

In terms of your job share request, there is time at the moment. Are you sure job sharing is the best option for your role? I would advise you have a look at the working families website, lots of information there about different flexible working options and how to go about it.

Thanks for your advice. I will speak to doctor about being fit for work. I have had no improvement since I had the accident and consultant said I should accept I'll be in pain for the rest of my life! and physio said won't get any improvement for atleast 12 months. Feeling pretty depressed about it. Regarding flexible working, I am a teamleader, so don't think they will allow me to do part time.