Do I need a GP's sick certificate??

[KazDD]

Hi,

I am hoping someone out there understands the UK sick leave rules better than I do. I work in a school on a term time only contract. I had cryoablation half way through the school Easter holidays (when I am not contracted to work) so in effect the first 7 days fell during my non contracted time. I have not returned to work this week, as Monday was a bank holiday, I have missed 3 working days (inc today)

My employer has asked for a doctors sick note. I have managed to get a telephone appointment with my GP for sometime today but am unsure when I actually need the certificate to start from.

In my head, as I am not contracted to work during school holidays the 1st week should not count so I am thinking that this week would be self-certificated and the GP note would only be needed if I am not back at work next Monday.

Any experience or ideas??

[jedimasterlincoln]

Personally, even though your sick period overlapped with a none contracted time or holiday time I would get it backdated to the date of the ablation. It will cover you for any eventuality in the future - you were sick then regardless of if you were due to be working or not.

You can usually self certificate for 7 days, so it's possible the GP will only start the Med3 from when this 7 day period expired but most are usually OK to sign from date of procedure if its explained that work have requested it.

[KazDD in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

Thanks for your reply. That does make sense.

Still not sure that I am up to returning to full time work next week. Stress had been a noted trigger in the past and right now work is definitely stressful and I will undoubtedly walk back into an ever growing log jam of work.

A colleague has been on long term sick leave for the past year and has now left but I recently found out that they are not planning on employing a replacement 😨

What's kept me going under the strain was the thought that it was temporary, but now that's been dashed! Maybe it's time I re-evaluate my employment situation!

I also need to push myself a bit more physically this week to see how I cope as I am still not doing much really.

Love your photo's of your walks with your little lady.

Take care!

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to KazDD]

You need to make sure you take the time you need and build up gradually to "normal" but employer should also make allowances for you not beint 100% when you go back, stamina and being "switched" on are two things I've struggled to get back up to normal levels.

Thanks for the kind words!

[KazDD in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

Yes, I can totally relate to that. My brain is in standby mode and I have the concentration and focus of a hyper active 3 year old but lack their stamina. I washed and blow dried my hair the other day and that wiped me out for the morning.

[Cally53]

I had a small knee op once during the first week of the Easter break, but did go back to work once the term started again so didn't bother with a certificate. In your case though as you didn't return at the beginning of term I would get a certificate dated from when you had your ablation, it seems the more sensible thing to do. At least then they can also see that you had it done in 'your' time not there's.

Hope your recovery goes well.

[Adiepie]

Just one tiny point, GPs refer to them as fit notes, not sick notes. Consequently, it should be from the procedure up TIL when YOU feel fit to return to full scale work - they will be able to give you a phased return if that would be better for you

[KazDD]

Well GP said the 1st 7 days are self certificated and has signed me off this week and next and wants to review how I am feeling next Friday. The fit note covers from after the 1st 7 days. But all good, I can continue recuperating for now.

[Mazdavi]

I personally feel you are going back to work too soon it takes time to recover I’m in the same situation as you I work in a school and went back far too quick which I came to regret I know how difficult school life is and you are putting yourself under a lot of pressure and stress far to soon your doctor can give you a note for reduced hours to build you back up for your normal hours listen to your body and and how you feel hope my reply has helped good luck

[KazDD in reply to Mazdavi]

Can I ask how long you were off before you went back?

[Mazdavi in reply to KazDD]

Hi the first time I was off for a few months as events didn’t go to plan the second one I was off for 4 weeks and two weeks on reduced hours but I wish I had taken longer off as school life as you know is full on I think if you work behind a desk and are able to work at your on pace it’s not so bad unfortunately a school working day is as you know eratic I’m going to have a third Abalation soon so I will go with what my body is telling me for time off I’m in my 50s so possibly age plays a part wishing you a good recovery 😀

[KazDD in reply to Mazdavi]

I must admit before the procedure I did not think I would need that much time off but I am now beginning to wonder. I will be 55 in a couple of weeks and also believe that we take longer to recover from things as we age. As you say the school day is erratic and hectic, plate spinning comes to mind!!

Right now it feels like each day is different, yesterday I felt good, today I am really tired and achy.

All the best for your 3rd time when that comes! 😊