Signed off with Stress :(

Hey everyone.

I have had a tough time at work-and really in general-since I have moved to the UK. I work in a really stressful environment (a prison!) and I have been finding it hard to cope with things. The doctor has signed me off with 'Work Pressure' for two weeks--there isn't a date to return. I know this is a dumb question, but when should I actually return? (signed for the 6th of July--I had the appointment in the evening and called in sick that day). I've never ever had to do this and I never imagined I would have had to do this in the States.

Also, during my time off sick, I managed to interview for another job and got a job offer teaching in a school starting in September. Me, being off sick with stress for two weeks-should this effect my satisfactory reference? I have not quit my current job and I haven't had any discipline problems, a string of sickness, etc.

I guess any answers or other experiences dealing with stress/anxiety in the workplace would be of great help.

My daughter has been off work with anxiety and stress recently.  She had to go back to the doctor to be re-assessed towards the end of the first two weeks when she was signed off for another two.  Being off sick shouldn't affect your reference in terms of how well you do your work but it would be best to be upfront and mention it at interview.

You can't return to work without your doctor signing you back, it's to do with your employer's liability insurance. So before the 2 weeks is up you need to go back to the docs, he'll either give you another sick note or he'll sign to say you are fit to work. You could request him to give you a note to return to work if you want to go back.

I work at a school where staff have been off with stress. They then got other jobs while off. Their attendance has been mentioned in their references but it didn't seem to impact on their new positions- they were able to leave us and begin to work at their new school. I think the key is to be honest and up front with your potential new employer.

Also, during my time off sick, I managed to interview for another job and got a job offer teaching in a school starting in September.

I think I might try to avoid telling my present employer I had done this.

Hi sandylichfield,
Firstly as has already been said you need a "fit to work" note from your doctor which used to be a "return to work" note but has recently changed. You are unable to return to work without this as the prison would be liable for any more problems.

Secondly, on the job reference side of things a work place cannot give a bad reference, but they can refuse to give one but im sure if you explain about your condition and the working environment was causing you stress they will hopfully understand.

I also suffered from this and know people that have, the best thing to do is what you are doing now by looking for a less stressful environment to work in as your health is more important than the job

Hope this helps

Also im not sure if your aware of the self certification for future reference.

If you are off less than 7 days (including weekends even if you dont work them) then you can sign a self certification which basically allows you to return to work without a doctor signing you off or back on.

My mum also works for HMP, have you looked at different positions around the prison, as if it is contact with prisons then I know there are roles where this isnt an issue