How soon should I talk to my employer about my disability?

Early intervention after you have first been off sick greatly increases the likelihood of your successful return to work. The longer you are left to languish at home, the less likely it is you will return to your former job. This is especially the case with back injuries, other musculo-skeletal disorders, and stress-related absences.

Under the new Fit Note (as opposed to Sick Note) Scheme, GPs are encouraged to take quite a firm attitude with their patients who request extended time off work due to illness. There are dangers in not getting back in contact with your employer after weeks of absence, and you may well value help in getting back to work, even if a lot of adjustments are needed.