Off work with back pain

jasper27

I need some advice please

I've got a sick note for a week off work with sciatica, which started during my days off, so far I've had 3 nights off and due to go back for the last 2 nights of a 7 night shift. I'm worried about money, I understand I won't get paid for the first 3 nights off, how do I go about getting paid sick pay?

I'm going to try and go back to work for the last 4 nights though as I really can't afford to live off sick pay. Where do I stand if my back goes whilst on shift?

I'm a careworker on minimum wage and have never signed a contract.

Thank you.

Undervalued

jasper27 wrote: »

I need some advice please

I've got a sick note for a week off work with sciatica, which started during my days off, so far I've had 3 nights off and due to go back for the last 2 nights of a 7 night shift. I'm worried about money, I understand I won't get paid for the first 3 nights off, how do I go about getting paid sick pay?

I'm going to try and go back to work for the last 4 nights though as I really can't afford to live off sick pay. Where do I stand if my back goes whilst on shift?

I'm a careworker on minimum wage and have never signed a contract.

Thank you.

Unless your firm provides any company sick pay all you will get is SSP from day four onwards which the firm must pay you by law.

Now that you have been signed off you may have a problem working on any of those days unless you get the doctor to amend the sick note. Whilst it is not unlawful to work many firms claim "insurance issues" and refuse to allow signed off staff to do so.

jasper27

Thanks for your reply Undervalued.

Re the 'insurance issues' that's just what I feared and as far as I know my employer doesn't provide company sick pay.

Do you know how much SSP is please?

foxtrotoscar_2

SSP is £87.55 per week I believe.

elsien

Surely it's better to take the extra few days off to recover properly than go in when you're unwell, do your back a serious mischief and end up off sick for months?
If your company doesn't do their own sick pay, they should still pay you SSP for any qualifying days.
And aside from anything else it would be irresponsible to put clients at risk if your back went when hoisting or lifting someone. It's not just you you risk hurting, and they don't have a choice.

jasper27

Thanks foxtrotoscar.

Thanks elsien, you're completely right, I hate having time off especially as we''re working short and they are having to ask people off day shift to cover my shifts, but the residents are priority and I certainly don't want to put them or myself at risk. It's just so hard to take any cut in my wages, as it won't be enough to cover my bills, but needs must.

jasper27

foxtrotoscar wrote: »

SSP is £87.55 per week I believe.

So I work 7 nightshifts, my sick note expires on the 5th night.. how much will I get paid?

Nothing for the first 3 nights, SSP for 2 nights and full pay last 2 nights?

If SSP is £87.55 per week do I divide that by 7 and x2 to find out how much I'll get paid SSP for 2 nights?

pmlindyloo

jasper27 wrote: »

Thanks foxtrotoscar.

Thanks elsien, you're completely right, I hate having time off especially as we''re working short and they are having to ask people off day shift to cover my shifts, but the residents are priority and I certainly don't want to put them or myself at risk. It's just so hard to take any cut in my wages, as it won't be enough to cover my bills, but needs must.

I agree with others that you should not go back to work until you are fit unless the care home can give you 'light duties' (not likely on night shifts) until you are able to do the heavy lifting.

As regards your bills, telephone your utility companies and see if you are in credit. They may give you a refund or allow you to not pay this month or up your DD to take account of the missing month. They are usually very helpful and much prefer that you tell them of your financial difficulties than have the DD bounce.

You can do this with other creditors too. Most of them will allow you a month's grace if you explain the circumstances. Better than getting extra interest put on or receiving nasty letters.

Also, ask your son to help out for this month. (I am sure you have done this for him!)

ohreally

jasper27 wrote: »

I'm worried about money, I understand I won't get paid for the first 3 nights off, how do I go about getting paid sick pay

You do realise there is a social care workers code of practice that you are expected to comply with?

You must not...(sec 5&6)

Put yourself or other people at unnecessary risk. This includes, meeting standards of practice and working in a safe way, informing your employer of any difficulties that might affect you ability to do your job safely.

I'd familiarise yourself with the CoP to ensure you are aware of what is expected of you.

jasper27

Yes, thanks ohreally I am familiar with the code of practice.