Taking time off work

For more information, visit the Parkinson’s UK website (last updated November 2021).

Can I take time off for medical appointments or for treatments?

You can ask to take time off work for your medical appointments or treatment as part of your reasonable adjustment agreement. Whether your employer agrees will depend upon whether the time off is reasonable in the circumstances.

Talk to your manager about how much time you think you need. If you know when your appointment is in advance, your employer should be able to allow you to take this time off (paid or unpaid, which would be at your employer’s discretion).

What if I need to take sick leave?

If you are not well enough to work you may need to take time off sick. You should follow your employer’s usual procedure for letting them know.

If you’re off sick for more than 7 days, you will need to arrange to get a doctor’s ‘fit note’ to give to your employer for statutory sick pay purposes. If you are off sick due to your Parkinson’s symptoms and haven’t told your employer about your condition yet, you may feel it’s best to do so before they get a fit note or letter from your doctor.

Am I entitled to any sick pay?

Each place of work will have a different policy on sick pay. But if you are sick for more than four days in a row (including non-working days) you may qualify for Statutory Sick Pay. This will be paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks.

Am I at risk of dismissal if I take long-term sick leave?

Being off work sick for more than 4 weeks may mean that you are considered to be long-term sick.

As a last resort, employers can dismiss you if you are long-term sick, but before they can do this they must:

• consider if you can return to work with some changes, such as working flexible hours or part-time, or doing different or less stressful work (with training if necessary)
• ask you about when you could return to work and if your health will improve
• follow a fair procedure
• take medical advice