Waiting for Occupational Health - where do I stand?

PoppyHoppy

Hello,
I'm a teacher currently off sick and eagger to get back. I injured my knee mid Feb and was immobile for a while. I had lots of Otho and Physio appointments and was signed off as not fit for work.
Mid March I met with HR and gave them and update and advised I was having an MRI scan at the end of March and then the drs could give me more info. They said they'd write to me confirming my sick pay entitlement etc - they still haven't.
Following the results of my scan the dr said I needed an op and I'm on the waiting list (op prob mid June) and I was fit for work with amended duties.
I updated HR and they advised they wanted me to see OH. I only got my appointment through on Tuesday. This is three weeks since I said I was able to return.
Where does this leave me in terms of pay?
I got a payslip today which had a ssp payment added, but also the exact same amount deducted (can't call work to find out due to the bank holidays).
My plan is to get in touch with work and ask them to send the letter promised in March and clarify what the ssp payment/deduction means on my payslip.
Thought I'd throw this out there to see if there's any further pearls of wisdom you kind and clever folk can offer.

Googlewhacker

PoppyHoppy wrote: »

Hello,
I'm a teacher currently off sick and eagger to get back. I injured my knee mid Feb and was immobile for a while. I had lots of Otho and Physio appointments and was signed off as not fit for work.
Mid March I met with HR and gave them and update and advised I was having an MRI scan at the end of March and then the drs could give me more info. They said they'd write to me confirming my sick pay entitlement etc - they still haven't.
Following the results of my scan the dr said I needed an op and I'm on the waiting list (op prob mid June) and I was fit for work with amended duties.
I updated HR and they advised they wanted me to see OH. I only got my appointment through on Tuesday. This is three weeks since I said I was able to return.
Where does this leave me in terms of pay?
I got a payslip today which had a ssp payment added, but also the exact same amount deducted (can't call work to find out due to the bank holidays).
My plan is to get in touch with work and ask them to send the letter promised in March and clarify what the ssp payment/deduction means on my payslip.
Thought I'd throw this out there to see if there's any further pearls of wisdom you kind and clever folk can offer.

You were not actually told that you were fit to work, you were told you were able to work with amended duties, the employer has decided that you should see OH to see whether these amended duties are reasonable adjustments or not.

I would be chasing your appointment with OH personally coz 3 weeks does sound a long time.

PoppyHoppy

Googlewhacker wrote: »

You were not actually told that you were fit to work, you were told you were able to work with amended duties, the employer has decided that you should see OH to see whether these amended duties are reasonable adjustments or not.

I would be chasing your appointment with OH personally coz 3 weeks does sound a long time.

Thanks googlewhacker - I have chased it - it's next week, but I've waiting over three weeks since I said I was able to come back. Then HR advised me it takes a while for OH to get the report to them, so further delays to my return to work. By the time I'm back, I'll be off again with my operation!!!! Most frustrating!

ohreally

Has your GP signed you off? You simply stated "This is three weeks since I said I was able to return".

In terms of the SSP payment, then a corresponding deduction - this is to prevent being paid twice, you should either receive occupational sick pay or SSP, not in addition to your normal wage.

PoppyHoppy

On the 29th March I got a fit note from the consultant at the hospital, it said that I was able to return to work with amended duties and other things, like I cannot drive (due to being unable to straighten my leg) I phoned HR immediately and told them what my new fit note said and obviously sent them it in the post.
I haven't had an addition to my wage. It's just the payslip shows SSP going in, but also SSP going out - so my pay was the usual amount.

ohreally

PoppyHoppy wrote: »

I haven't had an addition to my wage. It's just the payslip shows SSP going in, but also SSP going out - so my pay was the usual amount.

This is so you won't benefit from a greater pay when sick, perfectly normal.

PoppyHoppy

ohreally wrote: »

This is so you won't benefit from a greater pay when sick, perfectly normal.

Ah right, so they are claiming sick pay for me, but I'm just getting my usual pay. That makes sense - thanks.

ohreally

If your pay is "the usual amount" are you sure it's SSP as this is capped at a low rate?

If you receive occupational sick pay, ensure you offset any outstanding pay against a phased return (if thats what is agreed), so you can return to work on full pay and use your sick pay to fund the phasing in.

PoppyHoppy

It says SSP next to the payment.
I believe my contract gives me 6 months at full pay so I should be fine. Stupidly left it locked in my office drawer so can't check the fine print.

ohreally

SSP is paid at £81.60 per week....http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_10018786

PoppyHoppy

ohreally wrote: »

SSP is paid at £81.60 per week....http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_10018786

Oh, well it's a touch more than that.