Dear Louise
I completely understand how you feel. I was off work for 7 whole weeks in the Spring and I think the anxiety that caused me actually prolonged my flare. As for where you stand and what your rights are, you really need professional advice. One thing I would suggest is to contact your trade union if you belong to one....and if you don't then see if there is one that you can join now. My union has a specialist disability advisor and a specialist in work place law. When I had to return to work I felt so vulnerable meeting with my boss and the HR official. The man from the union really helped to identify and uphold my rights and I felt like I had a big protective brother in the meeting with me.
Rich is pretty clever at this sort of stuff and I'm sure he will offer some good advice.
Good luck from Naomi.