Returning To Work and Financial Concerns
Whether you’re facing a return to work after sepsis or are worried about your financial situation in the interim, we’re here to help answer some of the questions you may have.
Returning to work
Returning to work after sepsis can feel daunting. Many people experience challenges such as fatigue, poor memory, and loss of confidence, which can make resuming work difficult or even impossible. Additionally, ongoing outpatient appointments may complicate your schedule.
Most employers are understanding and may allow you to start back on reduced hours, gradually increasing them until you feel fit enough to work your usual hours. This is known as a phased return.
If returning to work is challenging, consider these options with your employer:
- Temporarily reducing your hours and review them when you feel ready to do more.
- Permanently reducing your hours.
- Changing your duties to tasks you feel capable of performing.
- Exploring new employment opportunities that better meet your needs.
For more advice on employment-related issues, visit Citizens Advice work, Citizens Advice benefits, Citizens Advice on problems at work, or ACAS.
Additionally, it can be helpful to provide your employer with resources on recovering from sepsis and critical illness, such as our Recovery After Critical Illness booklet, our Returning to Work Following Critical Illness booklet or our Practical and Legal info booklet.
Financial Concerns
Your finances may be stretched while you are recovering. Many employers will continue paying your salary for several months before reviewing your situation, while others may only provide pay for a few weeks. Some people may need to rely on statutory sick pay.
The government offers a benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for those who have experienced a life-changing illness or disability. However, you can only claim this benefit after a three-month period from the start of your illness.
For comprehensive information on claiming benefits, visit Citizens Advice, Money Helper and Turn2Us. They provide useful guidance and can assist with claims and form filling in some cases.
Please note that while our charity offers free support and resources, we are unable to provide financial assistance.
More from UK Sepsis Trust
Get Sepsis support
Whether you’ve just left hospital, are caring for someone who has experienced the condition, or have tragically been bereaved by sepsis, our Support Nurses are here to help.
Legal advice
If you require any legal guidance on anything employment or finance related, we have a panel of carefully selected solicitors who may help you get the specific support or advice you need.
Share your story
If you feel you’re in a good place and want to help us raise awareness of sepsis, consider sharing your story as part of our ‘Sepsis Voices’ campaign.