Returning to work after sick. Problems.

jdturk

Basically because they are forcing you not to work I would have thought you would be entitled to full pay. However as I said a phonecall to ACAS would confirm/deny this

jdturk

if you don't want to turn up at work and be sent home I would suggest that you get in writing that they want you to stay at home untill however long....

that way they can't say you were AWOL

brians_daughter

Hum... well, i was off sick for a while in 2008. My work wrote to GP/consultant for reports and info as is set out in the company handbook. It took my GP 8 weeks to respond and the consultant 10 weeks! So you/they could be looking at considerable time. I was told these timescales are very common when i rang GP surgery to chase the report.

I would expect from an outside pont fo view if GP states you can return,and you feel well enough to return and work knew the plan was always to try and return after 3 months then if they dont want you back until the report have been accessed that they pay you full pay. You want to go back,GP states youa re fit to go back its work that are telling you not to.

I can also see the employers point of view, but if you are happy/GP is happy for you to return then surely GPs signing off note is adequate, esp if you worked there so long and worked with the condition. Quick call to ACAS i think is neeed

sandy71

I'm glad I got my point across eventually, I'm rubbish at getting words out. I know what I want to say I just can't make myself clear.


They have sent me a letter saying not to go in until they have contacted my doctor

Thanks all for the advice (even the stuff i don't like;)) I will try ACAS as well. Didn't know about them so thanks

McKneff

you have still not said whether you have a 'signing off' note from your doctor.

In fairness, they are not just going to take your word for it.

sandy71

McKneff wrote: »

you have still not said whether you have a 'signing off' note from your doctor.

In fairness, they are not just going to take your word for it.

Yes my doctor provided me with an official sick note (thought I had said that:o)
I don't think any employer would take someones word for that long!

Aesop

Best thing to do, call

Helpline
The Acas Helpline is the place to go for both employers and employees who are involved in an employment dispute or are seeking information on employment rights and rules. The Helpline provides clear, confidential, independent and impartial advice to assist the caller in resolving issues in the workplace.
Monday–Friday, 08:00–20:00 – 08457 47 47 47
Monday–Friday, 08:00–20:00 – 08456 06 16 00 (Minicom users)

Saturday, 09:00–13:00 – 08457 47 47 47


and discuss it with them, they are in the best position to advise you.


Good luck.

lisyloo

Morally I agree with you sandy.
It's now them rather than you preventing you from going back to work.
However I can't comment on the legal side so I would not want to raise your hopes falsely.
They have had 3 months, so it's a shame they didn't get the paperwork in place before this as clearly there will be a delay whilst
a) you send the form back
b) they send it to your doctor
c) your doctor (who has more important things to do) fills it out and sends it back

I do understand them wanting to cover themselves in these days of litigation.
However if they instigate the delay then I don't think you should lose out (morally).
I think a few posts have been a little harsh to be honest.
You haven't amde the time off as long as possible but as short as possible.

McKneff

sandy71 wrote: »

Yes my doctor provided me with an official sick note (thought I had said that:o)
I don't think any employer would take someones word for that long!

Then in that case i dont understand what they are messing about for.

The doctor has siad officially that you are fit for work, they are not taking his word for it and in my humble opinion you should be paid as normal as its their doing.

jdturk

McKneff wrote: »

Then in that case i dont understand what they are messing about for.

The doctor has siad officially that you are fit for work, they are not taking his word for it and in my humble opinion you should be paid as normal as its their doing.

They have not provided a fit for work note, they just have not carried on providing sick notes is how I read it and the company wanting to cover themselves want to check the OP is fit to work...for all we know (and I doubt it) the OP could just have not gone back for another sick note