NHS Human resources question.

Fruity1

I have been off work since mid April following an injury (not at work). I have a consultants sick note until mid August and am then hoping to return. I was hoping to go back on a phased return without using my annual leave. However when I spoke with my manager she said I could perhaps go back using my annual leave for the phased return. Do I really have to use my annual leave? I was hoping to have a phased return of 4 weeks. I have a good sickness record with this being my only sickness in two years and am trying to keep it that way so if I was ill I was hoping to use my annual leave for that rather than a phased return. Particularly as my trust is trying to get sickness down to the 4% target. Any advice please.

Andy_L

In the civil service (& so probably the rest of the public sector) you cannot use annual leave to "cover up" illness. Or a least you're not susposed to.
I suspect your manager (like so many) is trying to avoid havng to do their job properly & manage (the clue's in the title) your return to work.

LindseyM

when i was off and had a phased return, I was told that I could do it but that I wouldn't be paid for the the hours I didn't work - my health was more important so I agreed to a four week phased return.

when i got my wages, they didn't deduct anythin and haven't to this day, not my job to tell them!

as Andy says, they shouldn't be asking you to use your annual leave, either don't pay you or on pro rata SSP

good luck on your return to work!

Need_More_Money_2

I'd speak to occupational health, I think it is usually they who organise these things for you.

Andy_L

& you'd hope that the NHS would have a fairly competent occ health team, then again....

Fruity1

Thanks guys, I have an occupational health review this week, so will see what they say.

ohreally

Raise this with your steward. The phased return should be agreed with your manager and at no cost to your earnings or a/l.
The role of occ health is purely advisory.

Need_More_Money_2

ohreally wrote: »

Raise this with your steward. The phased return should be agreed with your manager and at no cost to your earnings or a/l.
The role of occ health is purely advisory.

I think in my trust the occ health can recommend it. Still has to be agreed by the line manager, but I suspect they're less likely to say no if it is recommeded by the occ health dept.

ohreally

I should also have included, there are "some" trusts who will attempt to enforce the "payment" of phased return from a/l. The op should get hold of the policy on phased return/rehabilitation and be aware of any local issues.
Are there any DDA issues to be aware of? I'd strongly suggest raising this with your steward before attending your interview with the manager and give notice that you wish the steward to be in attendance at all meetings.

brazilianwax

They shouldn't really dock your pay for a phased return - you'd be on full pay off sick and its not on that you'd be worse of at work!!!

Need_More_Money_2

Personally I wouldn't involve the union unless I couldn't resolve it myself. I think it would give the impression of being awkward if you involve them too soon