Wife had to take time off work to care for sick Daughter

Oldernotwiser

krisskross wrote: »

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I do wonder how many other staff at the school take advantage of such extremely lax sickness policies. .

Of course, if there is a valid medical sick note in place then, perhaps, they have to pay it. To me it seems to the doctor who's at fault rather than the school.

(It certainly puts into perspective the situation when people say "my doctor says I'm sick so I must be eligible for sickness benefits!") Some people have their GPs very well trained.

kingfisherblue

Having a child who is ill is very stressful, but it doesn't mean that you can't care for them, as one poster has suggested. I know - my son is disabled and there are days that I am very stressed, but I still give him the full care and attention that he needs and deserves.

To the OP - I think that your wife has been very lucky so far, but schools are not the same as other employers in many ways. You might find more accurate answers on another forum which specialises in education. I can't post links, but the forum is www dot tes dot co dot uk. You need to register, but that's free. I suggest that you post on the Pay and Conditions forum and give your wife's job title.

I hope that your daughter goes on to make a full and speedy recovery.

mini

I have known people to be signed off with stress, one where his daughter was in intensive care another where their spouse was diagnosed with cancer, sorry not much to add except speedy recovery wishes:cheesy:

AsknAnswer

She may be able to get unpaid time off but there is no law which allows for this unless the dependent is under the age of 6, or under the age of 18 and disabled. Then the maximum is 13 weeks parental leave.

She has no right whatsoever to paid time off to care for a dependent, regardless of the illness, no matter how harsh that may seem. There simply is no law which allows for it.

The GP also has no right to sign her off to care for someone else, as the law is clear on this, although he can write a letter of support to the employer explaining the situation and advising time off. Even if she is signed off sick herself, it will be on a certificate which is known as a "Med 3". Despite common belief, an employer does not have to accept this. This sick certificate is purely for purposes of benefits/SSP and is advisory - it does not entitle someone to the time off and an employer is legally within his or her rights to insist the employee attends work.

Sorry if it's not what you want to hear but it is the law that currently surrounds the situation.

Oldernotwiser

mini wrote: »

I have known people to be signed off with stress, one where his daughter was in intensive care another where their spouse was diagnosed with cancer, sorry not much to add except speedy recovery wishes:cheesy:

Unfortunately, yet more examples of misuse of a GP's powers.

carldunne

I was in a similar position several years ago with a criticially sick child. My wife worked for social services which is also County Council and our Gp signed her off for stress and all the time she was signed off she did recieve sick pay but i cant remember how long it was for but it was several months and they were very supportive. Unfortunately she didnt return to work

LittleVoice

woody01 wrote: »

What an idiot!
This woman is caring for a sick child.

The doctor couldve put stress related absence on her sicknote and that wouldve stayed correct.

Really? Too stressed to go to work but fit to care for a sick child?

It seems to me that the doctor writing a note for someone which says, someone (the child) needs this person's attention is OK - if it is being used to support carer's leave which may be offered by the employer. It is not right if it is meant to suggest the worker should herself be classified as sick.

alison999

woody01 wrote: »

What an idiot!
This woman is caring for a sick child. ...

but SHE is NOT sick :rolleyes:

kidcat

My DS headteacher has been off for 9 months on sick leave - recently he was seen out shopping and when asked what was wrong he said his wife had been diagnosed with cancer and he was signed off as a result to look after her. I would therefore assume that sick leave to care for sick relatives for teaching staff is relatively common. (Especailly having heard of a local state nursery whose head is off sick to care for a sick husband)

I would infer that your wife will be able to continue to take the time she needs to care for your daughter.

welshmoneylover

Wow what a thread. A colleague of mine has had to take 10 days off work to care for her sick daughter.

The leave was authorised, needless to say she received no pay from the company nor did she expect pay for the full 10 days she was off work.

This seems a correct and fair policy.

Hope the OP's daughter recovers soon