Work Difficulties

Work difficulties

When you’re unwell for a long time it can affect your work, whether your are employed or self-employed. Work is important as it pays the bills but also brings us into contact with other people, it can give us identity and it often brings a sense of purpose.

Work is important as it pays the bills but also brings us into contact with other people, it can give us identity and it often brings a sense of purpose. When work is taken away from us it affects all of these things. The emotional impact can be really high so you may also want to look at our emotional health page.

SELF-EMPLOYED

Being self-employed brings a certain amount of control and freedom

But it can also bring uncertainty when we are ill Having as much financial security around these times is important to reduce that uncertainty and aid recovery. If you have insurance for sick leave then it’s important you access this – they will require ongoing “fit notes” from your GP (see below).

EMPLOYED

If you are employed by a large organisation then your employers will probably be able to ask for an occupational health assessment. If you haven’t already been referred for this, ask your employer if they can do this. Occupational health exist to provide advice to the employer to help support your return where possible. Small businesses may not have access to occupational health but will often be guided by “fit notes” provided by your GP

If you are no longer able to work or have had to significantly reduce your work, then you may be eligible for additional payments which include:

Fit notes

Returning to work the right way, and at the right time, is really important to aid your recovery. Many people with post-COVID-19 syndrome are off work because of fatigue (including brain fog). To help guide your return to work it is worth documenting your activity (mental, physical and emotional) and fatigue levels.

Returning to work

Your GP can add to the fit note what hours and days will work best for you and can review this at the dates you choose. It’s a really good idea to chat this through with your GP. If employed, and your employer is unable to accommodate the suggested adjustments, you are entitled to remain off sick from work until you feel well enough to go back. It’s important that you feel in control of this.

Financial support

In your contract you will have details of how long you are entitled to be paid. If you are part of a union it’s always worth asking them to review your contract. Whether you are employed or self-employed, if you are no longer being paid then you could be eligible for additional payments which include: