I'm on sick leave - my employer requested a formal meeting

I have been signed off work until the beginning of February. My diagnosis is severe depression and anxiety due to work related stress. Now I receieved an email from my manager who wants to organize a formal meeting next week. I understand this is just standard procedure and part of long sickness policy but I still feel somewhat frightened and even intimidated as this is after all formal meeting. With my mental health so fragile and being on antidepressants I simply don't know when will I be able to come back to work and I don't know how to prepare for this meeting. I would appreciate any advice 

  • Welcome to the forum MimaVi although I'm sorry for the worry your up-coming meeting is causing.

    Hopefully some of our members who have had a formal meeting with their employer will share their experiences and advice with you soon but I hope this information I've found about work and cancer will help. As you'll see, Macmillan are very knowledgeable in this area so it may be worth giving them a call to talk things through as well. 

    We're sending all our support your way MimaVi and hope your meeting goes well when the time comes.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi MimaVi. Welcome to the forum.

    If you're in a union, then I suggest you request your union provide a rep to accompany you to the meeting.

     

  • I've had formal meetings for long sick leave take your union rep with you or a colleague to hear what's said. They gave me a plan to return to work, l did but on a reduced hours program with imput from occupational health and reduced duties. I know this is worrying but it's something that we have to get through and they are just crossing the boxes to say you have met. 
    take care 

    Susie