Seeking another job while on sick leave

first78

Does anyone know what the situation is regarding looking for another job while on sick leave? I'm off work sick following the death of a family member and I really don't want to go back to my job...partly because the role would be too emotionally draining but also because I know I won't get any support when I go back.

I'm currently getting sick pay and wondered where I stand legally if I want to apply for other jobs and go to interviews while on sick leave. Thanks in advance.

lincroft1710

I think the argument would be that if you're well enough to attend (possible stressful) interviews, you're well enough to go into work!

I am unsure what you mean when you say you won't get any support when you return to work. If you mean bereavement counselling then I would suggest few employers would offer this service.

TELLIT01

I suspect the OP means they work in a pressurised environment and will be expected to carry on as if nothing has happened when they return. There are plenty neanderthal managers out there who think that work is the only thing that matters and people should just 'man up'.
In response to the original question, there is nothing to stop you applying for jobs whilst you are signed off sick, but you won't necessarily continue to get 'fit notes' from your GP to continue extending your sick leave.

first78

lincroft1710 wrote: »

I think the argument would be that if you're well enough to attend (possible stressful) interviews, you're well enough to go into work!

I am unsure what you mean when you say you won't get any support when you return to work. If you mean bereavement counselling then I would suggest few employers would offer this service.

By support I mean I work with one other person who barely speaks to me so I know if I'm upset or a bit down there won't even be a friendly 10 minute chat or offer of a cup of tea. If I had that level of support I'd already be back at work.

first78

TELLIT01 wrote: »

I suspect the OP means they work in a pressurised environment and will be expected to carry on as if nothing has happened when they return. There are plenty neanderthal managers out there who think that work is the only thing that matters and people should just 'man up'.
In response to the original question, there is nothing to stop you applying for jobs whilst you are signed off sick, but you won't necessarily continue to get 'fit notes' from your GP to continue extending your sick leave.

This is pretty much exactly what I mean...thank-you for articulating it better than I could. If I'm offered another job whilst off sick, am I still entitled to the sick pay my employer is being until the fit note runs out? My worry is that if I find myself in this situation my employer pay ask for some money to be paid back.

maisie_cat

If I were to employ somebody and their previous employer revealed that they had been interviewed and got another job while being paid as sick I would not trust them. I would suspect that they were the sort of person to play the system. Certainly put some feelers out, but be careful
Very few employers offer any sort of support when somebody dies, I had a day off when my dad died plus one for the funeral, I was in my teens at the time. My husband got a day or 2 off when his mother was killed in an accident, and took some leave because he felt he wouldn't be able to concentrate. Many people feel that going back to work does prevent you churning your loss around in your head.
I don't think it's necessarily neanderthal for managers to expect people get on with life, death is a part of life

ToxicWomble

Nothing wrong with expecting people to “man up” Too many sensitive snowflakes around nowadays.
You work colleagues aren’t there to act as a shoulder to cry on or a 10 min chat over a cup of tea — they are there to work.
As above, a day or three is perfectly acceptable, anything more is taking the mickey (unless there are unusual circumstances)

lincroft1710

first78 wrote: »

By support I mean I work with one other person who barely speaks to me so I know if I'm upset or a bit down there won't even be a friendly 10 minute chat or offer of a cup of tea. If I had that level of support I'd already be back at work.

Your colleague is not paid to have "a friendly 10 minute chat or offer of a cup of tea", they are paid to get their job done. Using the lack of this "support" is a rather weak reason not to return to work.

As regards looking for another job, the majority of employers will offer minimal (if any) support in bereavement situations and many jobs these days are "emotionally draining". If you have 2 years service in your present employment you are in an advantageous position, going to a new employer leaves you vulnerable to dismissal for the next 2 years

elsien

If you are planning to job hunt you need to be upfront with potential employers.
I withdrew an offer once for someone who was off sick, because they lied about it. The sickleave was less of an issue than their honesty, or rather the lack of it.

LilElvis

first78 wrote: »

This is pretty much exactly what I mean...thank-you for articulating it better than I could. If I'm offered another job whilst off sick, am I still entitled to the sick pay my employer is being until the fit note runs out? My worry is that if I find myself in this situation my employer pay ask for some money to be paid back.

They would probably find they couldn't reclaim SSP paid, though they might choose to cease future payments and issue you with a form SSP 1. If you are in receipt of enhanced sick pay from your employer then you would need to consult your staff handbook as it would be quite reasonable of them to cease/ reclaim payments if they suspect that you are abusing their policy.

Friday1989

I was in a very similar position. I lost multiple close relatives in short succession and then a service user I worked with died unexpectedly. I'd been considering leaving but the absolute lack of support was the final straw. I applied for a couple of jobs while I was off sick for two weeks and interviewed when I returned to work.

Legally I have no idea where you stand. Are you in a union/member of a professional body? They might be able to advise. My initial thoughts are that interviewing doesn't mean you are well enough to be at work so you aren't lying and being ill doesn't mean you have to be laid up in bed but I'm not sure how an employer would look at it.