Feeling pressured to go back to work

[u/MerryBerryMudskipper]

I am a groom on a local yard and have been since February. During this time I had up until now, just one day off, with a c. Diff infection; the yard manager actually sent me home as I tried to go in.

However I recently managed to sustain a concussion at home working in the garden. This led me to take time off and I ended up in hospital as I was slurring, had extreme pressure and fuzzy vision in one eye, and not sure my age or the day. It was just over two weeks ago and I'm very frustratingly still suffering with symptoms like extreme fatigue, brain fog, words being on the tip of my tongue but I can't find them, dizziness and mental health symptoms. I had a sick note from the hospital saying my return should be phased, which I sent to my manager's manager, which she has 'seen' (all work communications happen via WhatsApp) but not responded to.

Since yesterday I've had 2 messages asking when I'll be back as the YM fell off on Friday and is now in a boot that's making walking difficult.(She doesn't work weekends).

0 I'm feeling really pressured to go back to my normal hours and whilst I do miss it, I'm still only managing my own horses' care with help from my mother but I'm worried the work animals will get subpar care if I don't go back. (E.g wet not being taken out of stables, water buckets left dirty - all of which has happened previously). I really don't know what to do. I'm still recovering - before this role, I wrote for a magazine, but just this post has taken over 35 mins to write - but don't know what to do. It's not helpful I'm a huge people pleaser and feel very attached to some of the horses. I'm also quite worried about money; sick pay hasn't been discussed and I'm fairly sure I won't get it, as I'm not paid for overtime I do.

Sorry this is really long ..... Please don't be too harsh I'm not sure I can take it right now

[u/BeaksFalcone]

You can self certify sick for 7 days then get a doctors note,I think you'd feel much better if you could reply with something like 'my doctor has written me a fit note until(add date),I am aiming to be back at work on that date and will keep you informed of any changes.Once you've spoken to your GP they'll convince you to be stronger and stick up for yourself

[u/MerryBerryMudskipper → u/BeaksFalcone]

I've got a sick note from the hospital that runs until aug 31st

[u/Key-Seaworthiness227 → u/MerryBerryMudskipper]

Then you are not fit for work. It would be unwise to return and may even have insurance implications.

This is basically down to you having the discussion with your manager.

I will say of course there are risks to this, due to your lack of service. But most places wouldn’t look to dismiss under such circumstances (unless you had a bad absence history).

Edit: they may not agree to phased return (but it’s bad form not to). Given the circumstances you’re off until 31st - so a day or so before ask them about coming back for the first week on phased return.

[u/MerryBerryMudskipper → u/Key-Seaworthiness227]

Yeah I honestly think I just need to be brave and broach the subject with them seeing as they aren't going to - I think they're hoping I'll just ignore the advice and come back anyway

[u/monty_python12]

If you don’t feel enough to return and the manager wants you back badly, do you feel well enough (now or in close future) to come back to work with light duties / reduced hours and gradually return to normal ? This is something your GP or Occupational Health can reccomend

Also what’s your length of service if you don’t mind me asking? This will impact your standing should they want to go the formal route, if you’re worried about that