What to do if your employer pressures you to return to work after an injury but before you are ready

By Chris Salmon | Updated: September 27, 2025

Recovering from a workplace injury can take time. In some cases, an employer may pressure an employee to return to work before they feel fit to do so. This page explains your rights and what steps you should take if you find yourself in this situation.

At a glance

Employers must make reasonable adjustments for returning staff under the Equality Act 2010 (Source: legislation.gov.uk)
Your employer cannot force you to return before you are medically fit.
Fit notes from your GP are key evidence of your condition.
Health and safety law protects employees from being put at risk of further harm.
You may be entitled to sick pay, benefits, or compensation if your injury keeps you off work.

Your right to recover fully

If your GP has issued a fit note stating that you are not fit for work, your employer should respect this. Ignoring medical advice and forcing you back could expose your employer to liability if you are re-injured.

Health and safety obligations

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must take reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of employees. Pressuring an injured worker to return too soon may breach this duty of care.

How to respond if you are pressured

Keep records: Write down any conversations, emails, or texts where you are pressured to return.
Refer to medical evidence: Show your employer your fit note or medical report.
Request adjustments: If you feel able to return on reduced duties, ask about phased return or light duties.
Seek union support: If you are a trade union member, your representative can intervene on your behalf.

Sick pay and financial support

If you are not ready to return, you may still qualify for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), contractual sick pay, or other benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). These can help cover your income while you recover.

Making a personal injury claim

If your employer failed in their duty of care and caused your injury, you may be entitled to make a work injury compensation claim. Most claims are handled on a No Win, No Fee basis, so you will not pay legal costs if your claim is unsuccessful.

Real-world example

A warehouse worker suffered a back injury while lifting heavy boxes. Although his GP signed him off work for four weeks, his manager repeatedly called him asking him to return after just one week. The worker documented these calls and showed them to his union rep. The union intervened, and the worker was allowed to recover fully before returning on a phased basis. He later made a successful injury claim against his employer.

External references

NHS: Getting a fit note - when you need a fit note and how to get one.
ACAS: Phased return to work - how to agree a phased and safe return with your employer.
ACAS: Reasonable adjustments - when employers must make changes for employees with health conditions.
GOV.UK: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) - official guide to eligibility, pay and rules during sickness absence.
GOV.UK: Unfair and constructive dismissal - your rights if pressured to return and unfairly dismissed.

About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed September 2025 by Chris Salmon

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