Fit Notes/staggered Return

[bednobs]

I am currently on bereavement leave from work, and my 2 weeks will run out tomorrow. I'm going to het a sick note , and im not ure how long for yet; i'm certainly not ready to go back to work now, and cant imagine i'll be ready for at least another month, perhaps longer. When i do go back, i'd like to ask for a staggered return (perhaps a few mornings or afternoons a eek to begi with. How does thi work with fit notes - can your GP say you are fit for limited duties only for a time, or do they have to say you are fit for work full stop then i negotiate with the employer?

[Buenchico]

See here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/464395/fit-note-patients-employees-guidance-sept-2015.pdf

[Old_Geezer]

I would have thought it was something to negotiate with your employer. I used to find having work to occupy my mind helped me not continually concentrate on how down I was feeling, and meant I was less down much of the time. I'd recommend not staying away too long. It seems to help, and I'd suspect folk would know you aren't 100% for some while yet, and won't expect it.

[Tilly2]

Sorry to hear about your bereavement, Bednobs. I can't help with your query but I just wanted to say take care. I hope you find the answer.

[Peter Pedant]

I thought a fit note was zero or one
fit or not fit

if you work three days a week then you get paid for that so be unfit completely for as long as poss

I hope you feel better - dont expect anyone to sympathise - the best I ever got was " what;s he looking so glum for? it was only his....."
real life AB stuff

[bednobs]

I can't open you link for some reason Chris and I'll look tomorrow. I suspecthink it'll be a negotiation but work have said I can have up to 6 months off sick on full pay after the bereavement leave finishes so I expect they'll accommodate a staggered return if that's what I want. I get where you are coming from Re being at work but at the moment I'm finding it difficult to even leave the house

[ubasses]

Condolences Bednobs, it sounds like you have lost someone very close.
Your Company should have a policy in line with the Government guidance, if it is a large organisation it may go beyond that.
I have only had to deal with this once and before the new fit notes.
Start by speaking to your Line Manager, who may be able to structure a plan with you, or may have to go through Company Occupational Health. An agreement should then be reached based on the Doctors recommendation on a timetable for your return to your full hours. Don't be afraid to ask for an adjustment during the period if you are struggling.

[Peter Pedant]

oh and make sure that you are not in the grip of presenteeism
turning up when sick and doing a crap job

[woofgang]

listen to PP's advice on this one Bednobs and I hope that you feel better soon.

[scorpiojo]

Try and get out of he house, bednobs, even if it's only a walk down the path/road.

[bednobs]

Thanks everyone. At this point I don't know if I'll ever feel better again but I also hope things do get better. Even going out in the back garden is problematic at the moment

[woofgang]

you will feel better. It takes time but you will heal.

[Mamyalynne]

Take it slow and steady, even small steps will help.x

[scorpiojo]

https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-help/helpline

[THECORBYLOON]

When the doctor thinks you are fit for some work, there is the option a "phased return" on the Statement of Fitness for Work (the "Fit Note").

There is also a comments box where the doctor can advise on a planned return to normal hours covering a period which would not normally be more than six weeks.

You would then have a discussion with your line-manager about what days and hours you will work over that period.

You will gradually increase the days and hours worked until you are fit to work your regular hours.

[bednobs]

thanks again everyone

[emmie]

sorry to hear about your bereavement, sounds like it was someone very close, i wish you well.
take time out from work, as you will need to have to have time to recover and that won't happen in five minutes as many will tell you. Take care.

[mallyh]

sorry for your loss ,I can't answer your question but have you had counselling ,it may help you .x

[bednobs]

no counselling yet - it' far too soon i think. As it was an unexplained death, i also have the added stress of a police investigation to deal with plus various other shizzle that goes with that

[emmie]

sorry to read this... do counselling at some point, maybe not yet, as assume it's still too raw.