Job Interview and Sick Note

XClaireTx

Hi, everyone. I was signed off on Friday by my GP for stress, signed off sick for a month. However, a company has asked me in for an interview for a job I applied for (before I signed was signed off sick) and I have no idea what to do about the interview.

I have been on tablets for high blood pressure, but they haven't made any difference and after a chat about my life at the moment with my GP he has said it's down to stress - I won't go into all details but I haven't been sleeping well, feel energyless and have been getting chest pains - all classic signs of stress. They want to get my blood pressure down, as we also recently found out I have one kidney, and high BP can damage your kidneys. Plus at my age, 21, they said I am at high risk for a stroke (scary stuff!)

I am unemployed, and made a claim for ESA on Friday, as obviously I can't be signed oiff sick and claime JSA. Now I'm looking for advice what to do. I don't want to put my health at risk, but at the same time it would be nice to say I have a job.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

XClaireTx

I was thinking about phoning the employer up and being honest. Say, I'd love to work there and thank you for considering me. However, due to being signed off sick, I will be unable to attend an interview. That way, I know I'm not breaking any laws.

But all help is appreciated.

hcb42

if the stress is work related at the current job, then maybe a change is as good as a rest. I dont think you are breaking any rules by going for an interview.

proactive

rightly or wrongly though the new employer will probably be put off if you're off work with stress at the moment. no good pretending it won't enter into the equation

Emmzi

you can easily be too stressed to work but ok for an interview.

Go.

mrcow

Why are you stressed?

Would getting a new job help you combat it?

XClaireTx

Hi, no it's not work related as I've been unemployed. I think it's just been building up over the 3 years of unemployment. What would actually happen if you got offered the job though? As you're still signed off sick, and at the moment I'm all tensed up and seem to get worked up over the smallest of things, like I take things personally when they aren't actually aimed at me then the chest pains start (going for an ECG on my heart in a couple of weeks).

ohreally

hcb42 wrote: »

if the stress is work related at the current job

The op appears to be not working.

XClaireTx wrote: »

I am unemployed

XClaireTx

As ohreally has pointed out, I'm not working. I've been unemployed for a while and claiming JSA. Had to make a claim for ESA on Friday though.

nannymiaow

It really depends on what is causing your stress. Personally, I think it is less stressful to be employed than to be claiming ESA (or any other means tested benefit). My husband suffered quite significant stress and anxiety but getting a job has helped him no end. So, like I say, if you can pinpoint the cause of your stress than that will answer the 'should I go to the interview' question. Personally, I would go. It's only an interview after all.

JournalGirl

I think you should go for the interview if you feel you can. It could be that the stress is related to the long period of unemployment, and getting a job may help you healthwise.