Off sick - Feel like I am being harrassed....

Uncertain

Phoebe- wrote: »

I work in a call centre, so my position is hardly indespensible, so they aren't keeping a position open for me.

I'm sorry to say with that type of job it is rather surprising that they haven't taken steps to dismiss on capability grounds months ago.

I assume company sick pay has long since finished and you are claiming ESA?

I would certainly agree that their behaviour is unreasonable and almost amounts to harassment. Have you made it clear that it is unwelcome and that you will keep them updated at reasonable intervals. It might be worth asking your doctor to write a letter to this effect (you would have to pay for this). Otherwise he may well add a couple of choice lines to your next certificate.

Although I would normally advise agreeing to see OH when requested, unless your contract specifically requires it they cannot force you.

You must understand however that they are likely to take steps to end your employment before long. Unless they make a mess of the procedure, on the face of it, this would be perfectly fair (in law).

You have of course been accruing holiday all of the time you have been off sick. Unless you have taken this (so as to get a few weeks pay) they will have to pay you for it at some point.

Phoebe-

Work are actually the ones that make me go and see the counsellor and support group, and I struggle massivley with it. And when I do see someone it is very rare, and only for say 30 mins. Not an eight hour day at work. An it's usually to have a bit of a cry and some support, someone to talk to...which is totally different - cos as I've said, it's the depresison stopping me from working atm, so seeing a friend is different to working. And driving...again....driving doesn't make me depressed...it helps with my depression.

I just wanted to basically see if these weekly phone calls were something I HAD to do, or if I could demand for it to be fortnightly or monthly instead, and no calls with haven't been prearranged. Didn't want to have to defend what I am and aren't well enough to do...have had to do that enough since I was 13 and having cfs :P But thanks anyways.

getmore4less

OK if no land line then no phone calls

What are you using for internet,

Phoebe-

I'm using a dongle thingy

Uncertain

Phoebe- wrote: »

I just wanted to basically see if these weekly phone calls were something I HAD to do, or if I could demand for it to be fortnightly or monthly instead, and no calls with haven't been prearranged. Didn't want to have to defend what I am and aren't well enough to do...have had to do that enough since I was 13 and having cfs :P But thanks anyways.

Not as such. Most likely your contract or employee handbook has some rules about keeping them updated about your absence but what you describe is totally unreasonable.

I would suggest being gently but firmly proactive. e.g email them with an update reasonably regularly (even if there is nothing really to say) then make it clear you want to be left in peace. Try to get your doctor to back this up.

However, as I said, it is likely they will start to make moves to end your employment.

KiKi

As others have said, it's not the law that you have to have a call every week, but if you don't answer or don't respond, then they will continue. I am also very surprised they haven't dismissed you already.

You need to be proactive.

The fact that they are sending you to a counsellor and a support group says a lot about them as an organisation. Seems like they are trying hard to help you and get you back to work. But if you don't co-operate you will put your employment at risk, and it's bound to be declared when you apply for another job (if they ask in a reference).

Ask for a pre-arranged call on a set day. IF they can't keep to it, then arrange for another day. But be proactive in organising it and making it happen. If you just don't answer your phone they are going to assume the worst.

Hope you feel better soon.

KiKi