Money Moral Dilemma: Should I return to work early from sick leave, given I'd be paid less?

Jodo

This is a no-brainer. Take the four weeks off at full pay and recuperate. I am not sure how you know you will be well enough to work part time after two weeks, unless of course you are swinging the lead! (Which of course you aren’t, are you?)

Missy15

Stay off work whilst you can to recover as much as you can.

You won't be appreciated any the less for staying away and you certainly won't be appreciated any more for going back early.

Nor will it save you if any redundancies come your firms way, in fact earning less money could go against you.

Be thankful you get full pay whilst off sick many don't.

Bigfra46

Doctor says your too ill to work for 4 weeks, why would you go back part time 2 weeks early and get less money?

Kaz1313

I went back to work early as felt better, I got sent home as they said the fit note says I am unfit for work until said date, so they wouldn’t let me work.

So if you want to go back to work then get the Dr write that you are fit to work again.

DannyHotPotato

If you can only work 'part time' after two weeks, you're not fully fit then, are you?

Eccentrica_Gallumbits

You've been signed off for four weeks by a qualified medical person who knows more about whatever is going on for you than you do (theoretically, at least, even if you have the experience). You say you've had previous experience of this condition, which tells you that you could work part-time after a fortnight. Is it possible that if you took the full four weeks off, as you've been expected to do by the medical professional whose advice you sought, you might be less likely to have another recurrence of this condition or illness in future?

I can't tell you how many times I went back to work before I should have done because I felt so guilty about the work not being done in my absence. It doesn't serve you to do that. Either you spread germs around to other people (who won't thank you for it), if it's that kind of illness, or you leave yourself vulnerable to a recurrence because you may THINK you're fully recovered but actually, the recovery process is not yet complete and you need longer for that to happen. In the end, if it's the latter, you could end up costing your employer more than if you take your illness seriously this time.

Take your health seriously. I thought my body was bouncing back 35 years ago but I live with chronic pain today (which has had a massive effect on my earning capacity over the years - and my pension!) because I did not take my health as seriously as I should have done. My employer wanted me back at work and I allowed myself to be guilt-tripped because I wanted to feel that I was indispensable to them. Don't be like me! Put yourself first: nobody else is going to.

If you feel you could work in the last half of your recovery period, build yourself up to the return to work bit by bit. Without actually risking your recovery, do a little more each day during that time. Stay in touch with your friends, so you don't get bored. Read a bit or watch TV if you can do those things. Go back to work feeling improved and well-rested. That is so much better for you and your long-term health than going back too soon and then suffering a relapse in the not-too-distant future. Avoid short-term thinking.

elsien

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81972572#Comment_81972572

What is the basis of the opinion that they are not insured to be in work if signed off? To which insurance, do you refer - a link would be appreciated.

A fit note is advisory, and an employer can use other evidence for fitness to work instead, such as occupational health report. It’s unlikely to happen in this instance, but just for the sake of clarity.

Is_it_me_or_what

Most comments are saying the same, you should stay off for the duration you have been signed off for. Your doctor says you are not fit to work as yet, your employer should not take you back early for health and safety reasons. Getting full pay is a benefit that has been agreed in the past by the company and employees, it is in your contract of employment. Take the 4 weeks and return to work fit and healthy. Make sure you have a return to work interview, because whatever the reason is, you have had this before. Maybe there are some adjustments that can be made.

Hummybee

Take the advice of your doctor. If you start to feel better have a phased return.

RnK136

Why on earth would you go back to work when, as you've said yourself, you are better financially staying off. Plus: Health first. Stay off.