Can i go back to work before my sick note says i am to return?

Feisty_Fairy

Hi all,

Have been ill for just under 2 weeks with bronchitis, chest infection and induced asthma:( , so have been off work, my doc has given me another sick note that covers me till next week, however i am beginning to feel better and said to a friend that i may return this week, she said she thinks that insurance wise i may not be covered as i am signed off therefore shouldnt go back until the sick note runs out.:huh:

Anyone know if this is correct?

Thanks in advance!

Feisty!

ohreally

You should get an appointment with your GP and if he agrees your fit for work get a signing off line.

JemJam

At our office they're not fans of people come back to work whilst still signed off by the doctor, even by a day, mainly because they don't want them to be off sick again with the same problem a few weeks later regardless if the worker thinks they've recovered!

stuvee02

Hi Feisty

It's good that you're feeling better -last couple of weeks must have been nasty :sad:

AFAIK if you have been signed off work by your GP then you are not covered by the companys employer liability insurance and therefore you would not be allowed to return to work until cleared by the GP. Effectively this is the expiry of the sick note OR (as ohreally says) another note from the doctor confirming you are fit to return to work.

If you return early without GP authority and something were to happen to you or, as a result of you being there, to a colleague then the company could be liable and their insurance might not pay out (that is their real worry!). It's a pain but if you can get to see the GP then you can get back to work - if not then it's daytime tv and living of rice for a week!

I think this has been true for many years but it seems that with compensation culture and fear of liability companies are being more strict about it.

Hope it works out

Stu