Can I go out if I'm on the sick?: Your Guide to Sick Leave Rules

According to research from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, sickness absence costs the UK economy billions each year. This guide tackles a common point of confusion for many employees by answering the question, Can I go out if I'm on the sick?

Quick Summary

The ability to leave your home while on sick leave depends on your illness, recovery needs, and employer's policy. The key is to prioritize rest, avoid activity that could prolong your sickness, and maintain honest communication with your manager to avoid workplace trust issues.

Key Points

• Know the 'above vs. below the neck' rule: Light exercise or errands may be acceptable for mild cold symptoms (above the neck), but stay home for systemic illness like fever or flu (below the neck).

• Communicate openly with your employer: Be transparent about any legitimate need to leave the house during sick leave, such as for a doctor's appointment or pharmacy trip.

• Prioritise your recovery: The main purpose of sick leave is to get well. Any activity should be limited and not hinder your healing process.

• Understand your company's policy: Check your employee handbook for specific rules on reporting sickness and requirements for sick notes.

• Dishonesty can have serious consequences: Being caught doing inappropriate activities while on sick leave can lead to disciplinary action, including dismissal, for breach of trust.

The purpose of sick leave

At its core, sick leave is provided so you can recover from an illness or injury without worrying about your job. It's not a holiday, nor is it free time for personal errands or social events. The primary purpose is to allow your body and mind the necessary time to heal, preventing further health complications and avoiding the spread of contagious illnesses to colleagues.

Protecting yourself and others

One of the most important aspects of sick leave is public health. Many illnesses, from the common cold to more serious viruses, are highly contagious. Staying home is not just for your own benefit but also a civic duty to protect vulnerable people in your community, including coworkers, customers, and the general public, who may have compromised immune systems. Leaving the house when you are contagious is both irresponsible and a potential breach of trust with your employer.

The 'above the neck' rule: When is it okay to go out?

A common guideline followed by many is the 'above the neck' rule. This suggests that if your symptoms are mild and confined to above the neck—such as a runny nose, sneezing, or a mild sore throat—light activity may be acceptable and even beneficial. For example, a short, gentle walk to get fresh air can boost your mood and aid recovery. However, this is not a universal rule and should be approached with common sense.

Acceptable activities during mild illness

If your symptoms are minor and you are on the mend, some light activities are generally considered acceptable, as they do not hinder your recovery. These might include:

• A brief, solo walk in a quiet area for fresh air.
• Driving to collect a necessary prescription from a pharmacy.
• A quick trip to the grocery store for essential items, ideally during off-peak hours.
• Attending a pre-booked, non-strenuous medical appointment, such as a check-up.

The 'below the neck' rule: When to absolutely stay home

Conversely, if your symptoms are 'below the neck' or involve systemic issues, you should remain at home and focus entirely on rest. Symptoms in this category indicate a more significant illness that requires proper rest to avoid complications.

Symptoms that require strict rest

• Fever, chills, and body aches.
• Severe cough or chest congestion.
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
• Significant fatigue or shortness of breath.

Leaving the house with these symptoms is not only harmful to your own recovery but also poses a serious risk of spreading illness, as these conditions are often highly contagious. Employers expect you to be incapacitated by such symptoms, and being seen out and about can raise serious questions about the legitimacy of your sick leave.

Navigating company policies and legal rights

While there are general guidelines, your specific rights and obligations regarding sick leave are governed by your employment contract and company policy. It is your responsibility to be aware of these rules.

How to find and understand your policy

Your company's sickness absence policy will usually be found in your employee handbook, on the company intranet, or in your contract. It will outline:

• The procedure for reporting sickness.
• Requirements for providing a 'fit note' from a doctor after seven days of absence.
• Any rules regarding contact with the workplace during your absence.

It is crucial to follow this procedure to the letter. Failing to do so can lead to disciplinary action, even if your illness is genuine.

Comparison of illness types and public activity

Type of Illness	Typical Symptoms	Recommended Activity	Risks of Ignoring	Employer's Perception
Mild Cold	Runny nose, sneezing, mild sore throat.	Light, brief walk for fresh air.	Spreading germs, prolonging minor symptoms.	Generally acceptable if done discreetly.
Flu / COVID-19	Fever, aches, chest congestion, fatigue.	Strictly rest at home.	Severe health complications, infecting others.	Seen as a serious breach of trust.
Mental Health	Anxiety, stress, burnout, depression.	Non-strenuous, positive activities (e.g., gentle walk, visiting a park).	Over-exertion, not addressing the root cause.	Depends on communication, generally supportive if discussed.
Injury Recovery	Mobility issues, pain, post-surgery.	Follow medical advice, limited movement.	Re-injury, extended recovery time.	Depends entirely on medical professional's advice.

The importance of honesty and communication

Open and honest communication is your best defence. If you need to leave the house for a legitimate reason, such as a pharmacy trip or a doctor's visit, there is no need to hide it. Be transparent with your manager. Lying or concealing your activities is a surefire way to damage trust, and if you are caught, it can be grounds for disciplinary action.

How to communicate effectively

1. Be proactive: If you anticipate needing to leave the house for something necessary, mention it to your manager when you report your absence.
2. Stick to facts: You do not need to provide personal medical details, but be factual about your condition and why you're unable to work.
3. Manage expectations: Clearly state when you expect to return to work, and keep your manager informed if this changes.

How to manage your recovery responsibly

Your recovery should be your top priority. If you're on the sick, your employer is paying you to get better, and your colleagues are covering your workload. Abusing this privilege is a disservice to both yourself and your team.

Prioritise rest over activity

Listen to your body. If you feel tired or unwell, don't push yourself to go out. The quicker you recover, the sooner you can get back to work and your normal routine. Over-exerting yourself can prolong your illness and lead to a relapse.

The legal standpoint

In the UK, employees are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for up to 28 weeks. While you can self-certify for the first seven days, a 'fit note' from a doctor is required for longer periods. You can find detailed guidance on your rights and responsibilities on the official GOV.UK guidance on sick leave website.

Conclusion: A matter of honesty, policy, and common sense

So, can I go out if I'm on the sick? The answer is not a simple yes or no, but rather a context-dependent judgment call. It depends on the severity of your illness, your company's policy, and your ability to be honest and responsible. For mild, non-contagious conditions, light activity is often acceptable. For more serious illnesses, staying home is crucial for your recovery and the health of others. The golden rule is always to prioritise your health, communicate clearly with your employer, and use common sense to ensure you are acting in good faith. Your job and your health are worth more than a quick trip out while you're supposed to be resting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go out if I'm on the sick with a common cold?

If you have mild cold symptoms like a runny nose, it is generally considered acceptable to take a brief walk for fresh air. However, you should still avoid crowded public spaces to prevent spreading germs to others.

What happens if my boss sees me out while I'm on sick leave?

If your boss sees you out, it can create mistrust. If you were out for a legitimate reason, like a medical appointment or a pharmacy visit, you should communicate this clearly. If your outing was for inappropriate reasons, it could lead to disciplinary action.

Can I go on holiday while I'm on the sick?

No, sick leave is for recovering from illness, not for leisure. Going on holiday while certified as sick is a serious misuse of sick leave and could lead to disciplinary procedures and dismissal. If you become ill on holiday, you may be able to claim back those holiday days as sick leave, but specific rules apply.

Is it okay to go to a doctor's appointment during sick leave?

Yes, attending medical appointments is a legitimate and necessary reason to leave the house while on sick leave. It is part of managing your health and recovery. It is a good practice to inform your employer of your appointment.

What if I need to leave the house for essential errands?

Short trips for essential errands, such as picking up a prescription from the pharmacy or buying basic food items, are typically acceptable. These should be done discreetly and with minimal social interaction.

Does my company have a right to monitor me?

Your employer cannot generally monitor your personal life. However, if they have a reasonable suspicion of misuse of sick leave, they can take steps to investigate, especially if they have been informed of your location. It's best to act responsibly to avoid giving them any reason to doubt your honesty.

What is a 'fit note' and when do I need one?

A 'fit note' (formerly known as a 'sick note') is a statement from a healthcare professional advising if you are 'not fit for work' or 'may be fit for work'. In the UK, you typically need one if you are off work sick for more than seven calendar days.