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Working While on Sick Leave: Can You? Should You? Here’s What You Need to Know

Working While on Sick Leave: Can You? Should You? Here’s What You Need to Know 👇

💼 Whether you’re an employee trying to push through an illness or an employer unsure how to handle a sick team member who’s still answering emails from bed, the line between dedication and overexertion is blurry.

🔎 On average, most of us take just over four sick days a year. But what happens when someone still shows up—virtually or physically—while they’re signed off sick? Legally, there’s nothing stopping you from working while on sick leave in the UK. But is that wise? And what risks does it pose to health and workplace dynamics?

📌 Here’s what every employer and employee needs to know:

✅ Sick Leave Comes in Two Types:

• Short-term (like a cold or flu) — often self-certified for up to 7 days
• Long-term — anything over 4 weeks usually requires a doctor’s note

📄 Doctor’s Notes (Fit Notes):
After 7 days, employees need to provide proof of illness. A doctor may say they’re:

• “Not fit for work”
• “May be fit for work” (with changes to duties or hours)

📬 Is It OK to Ask for Updates?
Yes—but tread carefully. A quick check-in might feel supportive to one employee but like pressure to another. It’s all about balance and communication.

🛑 Why You Shouldn’t Work While Off Sick:

• It delays recovery
• It can worsen symptoms
• It risks legal and ethical issues for employers
  Employers have a duty of care, and allowing or encouraging work while someone’s signed off can be risky.

💡 Pro Tip for Employers:
Set clear expectations with a strong absence policy that supports rest, outlines return-to-work steps, and prioritizes health.

👥 Can You Be Fired While Sick?
Technically, yes—but only if it’s unrelated to the illness and follows a fair disciplinary process.

💷 Statutory Sick Pay (SSP):
Up to 28 weeks of support, but only if you meet certain criteria. Keep track of absences carefully to manage eligibility and payments.

👉 Bottom Line: Just because you can work while sick doesn’t mean you should. Recovery is part of being productive. And employers? Protect your team and yourself with policies that respect both health and hustle.

📖 Full blog post now live on DoctorSickNote.us
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