Employer contacted GP without telling me

j.e.j.

AfricanViolet wrote: »

I would guess there is something else entirely behind this.

I am sensing this, too..
How is the school/the head-teacher with you otherwise?

rising_from_the_ashes

It depends on the sickness absence policy in force (varies between LAs) - ours have a statement in it stating that they will contact your GP/hospital etc for more info if required ... this can lead to problems with disciplinary issues if you refuse as they justify it in terms of helping you back to work / trying to avoid similar absences and your refusal to comply looks like you're hiding something.

However, any information disclosed is between the LAs health provider and the medical professional - not to your line manager and the Head Teacher certainly shouldn't have been ringing themselves.

nicplymstock

This is the first time in 10 years I have ever crossed swords with my SLT. My results are excellent, my Ofsted observation was' outstanding' and I have never had any disciplinary ever. I know that the Education secretary is looking to publish records of teacher absence and my rep said that this 'aggressive' absence management is happening more and more. But the point is, my GP has already gone above and beyond by writing this letter, i followed the proceedures- but they want more information. I can 't see that it is any of their business. My GP was really unhappy with all of this. I suffer with stress and this is terrible.

AfricanViolet

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RadoJo

I suppose it could be considered reasonable if they were trying to establish whether your previous absence was due to an ongoing condition that was likely to reoccur and cause further absences in the future. Presumably the questions they asked were more in depth and designed to get more detail than either your sickness certificate or your GP's letter went into - I can kind of understand why they might want to know more about any potential ongoing health issue. Is there a reason that you are unhappy to talk to them about your health? As your employers it is their duty to ensure that you are not put at risk during the course of your job, including mental issues such as stress as well as physical issues, so if they are trying to establish whether they can make changes to your working environment to ensure that you are unlikely to suffer in future.
I can completely understand why you feel as though they are acting in an intrusive way and going behind your back was a terrible violation of your trust, but perhaps if you could meet them half way with the information they actually need (and no more - you shouldn't have to tell them details of anything you feel uncomfortable about unless it really is going to impact on your work) then you might find that the situation can be resolved to everyone's satisfaction.

teajug

j.e.j. wrote: »

It's good that your GP refused to discuss it over the phone, - that could have been anyone calling! I think employers do sometimes write to health professionals, but it would be courteous if they approached you first.. Is there anything in your employment contract about this?

Well they would have been within the law, or perhaps employers can now call up doctors without first getting permission from employee. :eek:

colino

I'm surprised that your union hasn't stopped this nonsense in its tracks. If your employer (clearly without the benefit of medical training) wants clarification of your condition, they should have been professional and written (with your authority) to your GP to express precisely what they wanted. A casual phone call got the professional response it deserved.
This is verging on harassment.

j.e.j.

teajug wrote: »

Well they would have been within the law, or perhaps employers can now call up doctors without first getting permission from employee. :eek:

I am really not sure what the law is these days? I personally would not even give details of my GP surgery to an employer, - what's on my medical records is none of their business.

Uncertain

j.e.j. wrote: »

I am really not sure what the law is these days?

It is simple.

To obtain any information from your GP the employer needs your permission in writing. You have a right to see any such report before it is sent.

Mrs_Chip

OP - Can I clarify - have you at any point refused a request from your employer for permission for the approriate person to contact your GP for details regarding this period of absence?