Waiting for Occupational Health - where do I stand?

PoppyHoppy

Update - I've been to the OH appointment. Basically the Dr said nothing that my fit not didn't at the end of March. Basically, phased return, amended duties. I'm seeing HR tomorrow, they've just rang to confirm and also added I'm now on half pay.

Is this right? I've been willing to come back to work for over a month - they wanted me to go to OH which I waited 4 weeks for and then there was another week whilst I'm waiting to see HR.

kelloggs36

How long have you been a teacher? I am also a teacher, only in my third year who has been off since 9th DECEMBER with abdominal pains for which I have to take morphine every day. I have had 2 ops and and am awaiting a 3rd, and I am also trying chiropractic treatment. As I am in my third year, I am entitled to 15 weeks on full pay (which doesn't include holidays as they aren't working days, so it lasts longer), plus 15 weeks at half pay. I have just gone on to half pay. I also saw OH. I suspect that your school wants to wait for the OH to make a decision on what the restricted duties are so that they can accommodate you. Once they have the report, they will contact you (or you can contact them) to arrange when to go back. In the mean time, you will still be entitled to your pay as normal.

PoppyHoppy

kelloggs36 wrote: »

How long have you been a teacher? I am also a teacher, only in my third year who has been off since 9th DECEMBER with abdominal pains for which I have to take morphine every day. I have had 2 ops and and am awaiting a 3rd, and I am also trying chiropractic treatment. As I am in my third year, I am entitled to 15 weeks on full pay (which doesn't include holidays as they aren't working days, so it lasts longer), plus 15 weeks at half pay. I have just gone on to half pay. I also saw OH. I suspect that your school wants to wait for the OH to make a decision on what the restricted duties are so that they can accommodate you. Once they have the report, they will contact you (or you can contact them) to arrange when to go back. In the mean time, you will still be entitled to your pay as normal.

Thanks for your reply Kelloggs. I'm in my 3rd year too, but approaching end of my 2nd year at this college. I'm in FE so not sure if the Sixth Form Contract is any different. This is my 12th week off, including the 2 weeks break, so I'm sure they must have just looked how long I've been teaching at the college and not took into account the continuous service they've awarded me.
I'm meeting with HR this week - must say, it adds an extra stress, I'm already feeling nervous about returning.
I wish you all the best in getting your abdominal pain sorted. Hopefully we will both be fighting fit soon. Thanks again.

Googlewhacker

I would have thought that as the Dr has said you are not able to go back fully then you should not be on full pay if this has run out and until you met OH (who will know more about your job than your Dr) and they say yes or no as to going back to work.

PoppyHoppy

Googlewhacker wrote: »

I would have thought that as the Dr has said you are not able to go back fully then you should not be on full pay if this has run out and until you met OH (who will know more about your job than your Dr) and they say yes or no as to going back to work.

I have seen OH now - the Dr at OH didn't have any knowledge of my job, as it's contracted out. She had a copy of my job description but didn't refer to it. She said I'm obviously fit for work - with amended duties and phased return. Exactly the same as my specialist said at the end of March.

So my quarm is, I could have been back at work, doing something at least for the last month. Instead my sick pay has been eaten up when I was willing to work.

kelloggs36

Certainly for mainstream teachers, if you have worked within the same local authority but for different schools, it will count as continuous service - I would check this out. I don't know what differences there are in terms and conditions between FE and mainstream teachers is.

Googlewhacker

PoppyHoppy wrote: »

I have seen OH now - the Dr at OH didn't have any knowledge of my job, as it's contracted out. She had a copy of my job description but didn't refer to it. She said I'm obviously fit for work - with amended duties and phased return. Exactly the same as my specialist said at the end of March.

So my quarm is, I could have been back at work, doing something at least for the last month. Instead my sick pay has been eaten up when I was willing to work.

I'm not sure really, someone like Uncertain would be better on this type of thing, obviously if you are a member of a union go see them but really if not I would say mention it but if thats not enough you either have to kick a fuss up with a grievance or let it go.

PoppyHoppy

Update... met with boss and HR today. They don't have the OH report yet but they're letting me return to work tomorrow. Yay!!!!!
Kelloggs was right about the sick leave entitlement and I am still on full pay - phew! Would run another month if I needed it. They'd just not took into account my continuous service.
Thanks all for your help and contributions.

Googlewhacker

PoppyHoppy wrote: »

Update... met with boss and HR today. They don't have the OH report yet but they're letting me return to work tomorrow. Yay!!!!!
Kelloggs was right about the sick leave entitlement and I am still on full pay - phew! Would run another month if I needed it. They'd just not took into account my continuous service.
Thanks all for your help and contributions.

Good news!

walks

Hello Everyone,
I have been put on the sick with Anxiety and depression, and am worried that before this happened i had booked to go away, Will i still be able to go if i am on the sick,
I have already cancelled one holiday this yr and could really do with some warm sunshine
But obliviously if i am like i am at the minuet i will not want to go, But just wanted to know how i stand if i felt as if i could go.
Many thanks.
Rikki