If your sore throat is just a result of a cold or similar virus then the best thing is to rest the voice and drink plenty of fluids. Anyone who has a sore throat should see a doctor if it does not get better for four weeks. Your doctor is likely to recommend treatment, which is likely to involve resting the voice.
This means your employer should be asked to place you on duties that do not involve using your voice, or your doctor may sign you off work. Remember in some occupations such as singing, teaching or call centres, voice loss can be a result of your work and it is important that your GP knows the type of work that you do.
A new system of GP medical statements was introduced in April 2010. The new 'fit note' (rather than sick note) can either indicate that a person is “not fit for work” or that they “may be fit for work taking account of the following advice” and the GP can recommend a phased return to work, altered hours, amended duties or workplace adaptations. For more information, see the TUC advice on fit notes.
See our section on looking after your voice for more information on severe voice conditions.
24 Feb 2012: When do you start getting paid?
The Interns: Getting treated like a dogsbody?