[Anonymouse]

I've now put in 2 fit notes...neither of which has been accepted. For the life of me I cannot understand how the DWP knows better than a doctor and can override him.

In 2000 I was about to put in a sick note (as they were then), but I got the impression that my job would be at risk if I did, so I reluctantly (and perhaps unwisely) went back to work. Months later I was told by a colleague that if you had a sick note and worked anyway you were not insured as long as the note lasted - and that you could not be sacked for having one.

Back then employers (and, by extension, the dole) were required to listen to a doctor - if s/he said you weren't fit for work, you weren't fit for work. End of.

IMO we need a return to those days. Hence the poll.