Working When Signed Off?

[neenaw]

I've been signed off sick by my GP with back trouble and my sick certificate runs out on Friday.

Due to working shifts, I'm supposed to be in work Friday, Saturday and Sunday this week but after speaking to one of my managers this week he's told me that I'm supposed to be off Friday then back in Saturday. He suggested that I should declare myself fit and go back to work Friday rather than going back Saturday.

Where do I stand with regards this?

Can I sign myself back as fit even though I've been signed off by a GP?

[cbcbcb]

Your employer's insurance is unlikely to cover you if you are supposed to be signed off work. If HR/H&S/whoever find out, they will probably send you home.

When I did it last year, HR sought permission from one of the company directors for me to stay in the building, and insisted I was signed back on by my GP the following day.

[scirocco265]

neenaw said:

I've been signed off sick by my GP with back trouble and my sick certificate runs out on Friday.

...he's told me that I'm supposed to be off Friday then back in Saturday. He suggested that I should declare myself fit and go back to work Friday rather than going back Saturday.

As in Friday is the last day or Thursday is? Was the sick note signed for say 2 weeks from 2nd?

You can't really sign yourself as fit-to-work if your GP's note does cover you for this Friday. If you want to work it, visit your GP again. If you don't....

[neenaw]

The sicknote was for 10 days from the 7th.

It sounds like it's going to be easier to just go back in Saturday. Another day's rest won't hurt I suppose.

[Mojooo]

I didn't think a sicknote for 10 days meant you had to be sick for 10 days

I have been given them in the past and told to just go back when i feel ready - even if its before the sick note expires.

[scirocco265]

As above then. Unless you need the cash rather than SSP, enjoy sitting in your pants eating cold chinese food (at least that's what I would do)

[BGB autosport]

I also ensure that i have a note stating the person is fit to work from a doctor prior to the returning before the date on a sick note, otherwise your opening your self up to a whole load of ste if they get injured.

[Firefoot]

There is a widely held misconception regarding this. The following is from the NHS site relating to fit notes and mirrors previous advice I have received from the company solicitor:

"As long as your employer agrees, you can go back to work or return to your normal duties before the end date on your fit note.

For example, you may want to go back to work sooner if:

•you’ve recovered from your illness or injury more quickly than expected
•your employer can offer you support, to help you return to work

Fit notes
The fit note replaced the sick note from 6 April 2010. Fit note is the informal name for the Statement of Fitness for Work.

With the fit note, your GP can advise that:
•you are ‘not fit for work’, or
•you ‘may be fit for work’
Your fit note will show that this will be the case:

•for a specified time, such as one week, or
•until a specific date
For more information, see What are fit notes?

Your employer’s agreement
You will need to get your employer’s agreement if you want to go back to work before the end date on your fit note.

If your employer thinks it’s not safe for you to return, you will have to stay off work.

You should not go back to work before the end date on your fit note if your GP has advised you that:
•returning to work would be unsafe
•returning to work would be bad for your health

Do I need a note saying I’m fit for work?
No. You do not need to see your GP again to be ‘signed back to work’.

Unlike the sick note, the fit note does not have an option to say that you are fit for work. If your GP wants to assess your fitness for work again, they will state this on your fit note."

[mph1977]

as has been pointed out any requirement to be 'signed back' is down to the certifying Doctor making that stipulation and if they don't it will be the companies HR/ Occ Health problems to sort ...