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I am type 1 diabetic I am a chef in a care home I was given a sick note by my doctor to be off work for 12 weeks as I was at risk of infection from coronavirus the note also confirms unfit to work, duration 12 weeks. I called my manager and told them the situation. The manager seemed very surprised which I was quiet shocked about and did not offer support only to say please email me the sick note. I explained I did not feel like I should be going to work especially as we have alot of residents and workers who could give me the virus, and being a type 1 I am classed as at risk. Social distancing is almost impossible in a health setting and was not prepared to put myself or my family at risk so I would be taking the doctors advice. My manager said they would be in contact in the following days. I recieved a call from manager 3 days later saying he was following HR's instructions to call staff to see if there is anyway they can put in measures to help staff return to work, I was very shocked by this as I know many type 1s who have been given alot of support under the current circumstances in different jobs regarding coronavirus and feel like they are not interested in the sick note. I told my manager I had to follow the Dr's orders and would remain off for the 12 weeks. Manager said they would pass on my response to Hr. I wanted to ask if anybody else has experienced anything like this and what they have done. I am honestly expecting another call probably from occupational health to assess me. Can an employer refuse a sick note and try to make me go to work? I feel like they will just try to discipline me or even worse sack me for being off sick when all I am doing is trying to protect myself, family and job, surely we should be supported by employers in these times and have our job protected ? I have called acas and they have said just wait to see what there response is. Thank you