Q about going back to work from sick leave on reduced hours

jojo_2012_2

Hi All!

Been off sick for a few weeks, my GP says that if/when he signs me back to work it'll be on reduced hours which is probably for the best being 8 months pregnant and all.

My question is, if my normal week is 43hrs, and he puts me back reduced hours (say 24-30). Would I get my normal hours pay or reduced pay to match the hours?

Just trying to forward plan

Tried ringing HR but they're obviously on strike today.

SarEl

You would be on the pay due for the number of hours worked - if the employer agrees to reduced hours at all. They do not have to, and given the stage of your pregnancy they may not want to - it depends on whether they are convinced that there is no risk to them in taking you back to work when you are not fully fit.

Acc72

jojo_2012 wrote: »

Tried ringing HR but they're obviously on strike today.

I presume that you are a public sector worker ?

If so, do you receive full pay whilst off sick (unlike most in the private sector, but that is another debate ! ) ?

Given your stage of pregnancy, why not just stay off sick (and receive full pay), rather than return to work and get less ?

Uncertain

SarEl wrote: »

You would be on the pay due for the number of hours worked -

Really?

Assuming the OP is currently getting full (i.e contractual) sick pay surely there is an argument that if her doctor says she is only fit enough to work reduced hours then she is still sick for the remaining hours?

That is certainly the interpretation I've seen used by one large employer.

However in this case I agree with Acc72. It must make more sense to remain off sick until the maternity leave begins. I can't imagine any doctor would force even a partial return in these circumstances.

jojo_2012_2

Yes I'm an NHS nurse and lucky enough to get full sick pay Still I feel well enough to go back, got to see him Friday. Just wanted to know just in case. I agree there's an argument for just staying off sick but I prefer to have as little sick time on my record as possible to be honest and shockingly I enjoy my job (just don't ask me to repeat that on a Monday morning).

SarEl

Uncertain wrote: »

Really?

Assuming the OP is currently getting full (i.e contractual) sick pay surely there is an argument that if her doctor says she is only fit enough to work reduced hours then she is still sick for the remaining hours?

That is certainly the interpretation I've seen used by one large employer.

However in this case I agree with Acc72. It must make more sense to remain off sick until the maternity leave begins. I can't imagine any doctor would force even a partial return in these circumstances.

I was answering the question asked - the OP will only be paid for the hours they work. What other entitlements they may have are dependant on their sick pay conditions - but they are still treated as sick for any period they do not work.

But I agree on returning to work - I think the employer may well do too. Few employers would be happy about someone who is heavily pregnant returning to work unless fully fit to do so.

t0rt0ise

If you are off sick within 4 weeks of the birth date the employer can make you start your maternity leave immediately. I should imagine they'd do that rather than have you back part time.