Broken leg whilst on sick leave

Premo

Hi guys, I hope someone can advise me on my problem.
Since Jan 2014 I'm on sick leave. As I used all my sick pay, currently I receive only SSP. My current 'sick note' from GP is valid for another 3 weeks. The problem is that in the meantime (2 weeks ago) I've broken my leg. It happened abroad (outside EU) when I was visiting my partner who is working there. They had to put 8 screws in my leg, also I have to use crutches for another 6 months. Luckily I had travel insurance so they covered the costs. Anyway, my questions are:
- does the fact that accident happened abroad may cause me any problems in my employer's eyes (my 'original' sick note from Jan doesn't say I cannot travel)
- will my entitlement for company sick pay 'renew' (as I will provide new sick note and we're in new tax year now)
- is my employer obliged to accept all the documents regarding my accident even though they're not in English? I have a letter from the doctor which says I cannot work for another six months. Should I translate it or just go to my GP and ask for a new sick note?
- can they fire me for being off-sick for so long? if so, will I still receive any redundancy pay? (I've been working for them for almost 5 years)
- can I claim any sort of compensation in the UK? (as I am still employed, therefore insured)

Thanks for your help!

geri1965_2

Compensation from who?

Premo

geri1965 wrote: »

Compensation from who?

Employer/Government?

corbyboy

Why does a broken leg mean you can't work for 6 months?

Premo

corbyboy wrote: »

Why does a broken leg mean you can't work for 6 months?

Mainly because of crutches.I can't use my leg at all, also I will need another operation to remove the screws. After that I can't use the leg as well. And my job is physically demanding and involves mainly walking, lifting etc

Bantex_2

Who was to blame for the accident?

Flugelhorn

If I was an employer I might query why you were unable to work but able to travel abroad?
Re sick note - the GP will do another as you have obviously broken your leg.. they will be guided as to how long by the local fracture clinic. The new fit notes allow for the GP to say that the person is fit for amended duties.

Bella73

To be honest your post is confusing.

Why do you think you would get redundancy money if you are fired? They are two different things.

Whether your employer accepts the sick notes probably depends on your contract. I know my employer would not be impressed by the fact that you have been off work for a few months but suddenly appear well enough to travel abroad?? The fact that you were visiting your Partner is irrelevant.

Visit your GP and you can be given a fit note for the broken leg.

Not sure why you think you should be entitled to compensation. For what?

pleasedelete

did they know you were on holiday abroad whilst on sick leave?

Big_Tree

If I was the employer I would fire you.....

Someone that was not fit enough to come to work but was fit enough to travel outside the EU to go on holiday. You will have an uphill struggle to keep your job.

Why do you think the UK Government (the UK taxpayer) should compensate you for breaking your leg in some far flung part of the planet?

Valli

Premo wrote: »

Hi guys, I hope someone can advise me on my problem.
Since Jan 2014 I'm on sick leave. As I used all my sick pay, currently I receive only SSP. My current 'sick note' from GP is valid for another 3 weeks. The problem is that in the meantime (2 weeks ago) I've broken my leg. It happened abroad (outside EU) when I was visiting my partner who is working there. They had to put 8 screws in my leg, also I have to use crutches for another 6 months. Luckily I had travel insurance so they covered the costs. Anyway, my questions are:
- does the fact that accident happened abroad may cause me any problems in my employer's eyes (my 'original' sick note from Jan doesn't say I cannot travel) Not a clue on this one!
- will my entitlement for company sick pay 'renew' (as I will provide new sick note and we're in new tax year now) Unlikely as it appears to be a 'consecutive' illness with no return to work prior to the break
- is my employer obliged to accept all the documents regarding my accident even though they're not in English? I have a letter from the doctor which says I cannot work for another six months. Should I translate it or just go to my GP and ask for a new sick note? depends on their policy; it's likely they would require certification from your own GP -
- can they fire me for being off-sick for so long? if so, will I still receive any redundancy pay? (I've been working for them for almost 5 years) If you are dismissed that's not the same as redundancy - but your Union will advise
- can I claim any sort of compensation in the UK? (as I am still employed, therefore insured) From whom and for what? It's likely you will continue to receive SSP until you return to work.

Thanks for your help!

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