When should I go back to work?

There are two choices:

• Go back to your normal job after full recovery.
• Return to work, but to lighter or different duties, or for shorter hours. This will probably involve a trial period, by prior agreement with your employer. To help you get back to work, your GP may write to your employer, with your consent, describing your condition and suggesting the steps your employer should take to help you return to work. For example, your GP may suggest lighter duties for a trial period if you have a back injury. This is called a return to work agreement, and may need to be in writing so that both sides are clear as what is expected.

Depending on the nature of your disability, and its likely duration, you may have disability rights. If so, your employer is legally obliged to make 'reasonable adjustments' to enable you to return to work. For more information, see the

Disability Rights section.