Attending courses whilst off sick

slt4

I am off work at the moment after a knee operation. Just after the operation I found out that I had been accepted onto a year long course through work. My boss was happy for me to accept the place even though she knew I was off work. The first day of the course is next Friday and the other days are after my return to work. My job requires a lot of standing whereas this course will not so although I am unable to work I would be able to get to the course with someone else and cope with it. My boss has now said it is my decision whether I take the risk or not. How much of a risk is it? I only accepted the place because I was told I should and it is now too late to cancel without working having to pay the full course fee. Will I lose my sick pay if I attend the course?

ferrett100

Can the course be deferred so as you dont lose any money and can take it when you are well enough?
I think, if you are signed off as 'unfit to work' then that is what it is - unless you speak to your GP and have 'fit to work - but with adjustments' such as not standing for long periods. I think it all depends on how understanding your employer is also - are they happy for you to defer the course, are they happy and supportive for you to return to work with adjustments in place?
I suppose really, it also boils down to how well you feel able to do it - your health is the most important and ultimately it is only you who can determine that.
Good luck anyway.

slt4

Thank you. I am not sure about deferring it ask think this is the last year it is running. It is difficult as it would be impossible to sit down all day if I went to work so I can't get a fit note but I could attend this course as I would be sitting and a friend is driving.

I work for the council. Would it affect my sick pay or the insurance money work would receive? Any advice on this would be gratefully received. I don't want to end up off with stress as well! :eek:

Thanks again

saintjammyswine

Can you contact the council HR dept and find out anonymously? Should be big enough not to be recognised!

cr1mson

If it is a year long course and you are just going to miss one day surely in the grand scheme of things it will be fine anyway?

C

LittleVoice

ferrett100 wrote: »

Can the course be deferred so as you dont lose any money and can take it when you are well enough?
I think, if you are signed off as 'unfit to work' then that is what it is - unless you speak to your GP and have 'fit to work - but with adjustments' such as not standing for long periods. I think it all depends on how understanding your employer is also - are they happy for you to defer the course, are they happy and supportive for you to return to work with adjustments in place?
I suppose really, it also boils down to how well you feel able to do it - your health is the most important and ultimately it is only you who can determine that.
Good luck anyway.

It sounds as though the course for this one day is not going to make the same demands on the OP as being at work would do.

If it is the standing at work which is the reason for not being fit for work and the activities at the course will not have the same conditions, then attending should not be a problem.

You cannot equate the course to "work" without considering what is actually involved.

Emmzi

It's perfectly possible for a fit note to say something like "fine for activities not involving standing or walking". So check with your gp - but also be prepared to get a desk job at work for a bit.