Your Doctor Said Rest. Your Boss Said Get In.

🎥 Watch us on TikTok and YouTube
📲 Subscribe to our newsletter blasting workplace nonsense

---

If you’ve been signed off work with a fit note but your employer pressures you to return – here’s what the law actually says in the UK.

---

Your GP signed you off sick.
You were told to rest, to recover – to avoid making things worse.

But your boss?
They called.
They emailed.
They asked when you’re “planning to come back in.”
Some even said, “We still expect you in.”

Let’s be clear:
That’s not just insensitive – it can be unlawful.

---

What is a fit note?

A fit note (or sick note) is the formal way your GP says you’re not well enough to work.
It might say you’re not fit for work, or that you’re fit for work with adjustments (like shorter hours or lighter duties).

Once you have that note, it’s not just a suggestion.
It’s medical advice – and employers in the UK are legally expected to take it seriously.

---

Can your boss ignore a fit note?

No – not without serious risk.
If your employer ignores a fit note and forces or pressures you back in, they could be:

• Failing in their duty of care
• Breaching health & safety laws
• Risking a disability discrimination claim under the Equality Act 2010

In plain terms: if you’re unfit for work, your boss doesn’t get to overrule your doctor.

---

What if the fit note says “may be fit with adjustments”?

That’s where reasonable adjustments come in.

If your condition counts as a disability – and you’re told you may be fit to return with changes in place – your employer must:

• Discuss the suggestions with you
• Consider what’s practical
• Avoid putting you at further risk

They don’t have to accept every adjustment…
But they can’t just ignore the note altogether.

---

What if your manager pressures you while you’re off sick?

This happens far too often.

If you’re receiving:

• Repeated check-ins that feel more like guilt-trips
• Comments about “letting the team down”
• Pressure to return before you’re ready

…it could amount to harassment or failure to support a sick employee.
Especially if you’re dealing with a long-term condition or a disability.

---

Bottom line?

Your doctor said rest.
Your boss doesn’t get to overrule that.

If they do, they’re not just being pushy – they might be crossing legal lines.
You’re not weak.
You’re not “milking it.”
You’re surviving a system that often doesn’t care until it’s forced to.

---

Need support or guidance?
Get blog posts direct to your inbox via Substack: Click here

---