My company don't want to pay my sick pay.

teter8

Hi

I was on holiday in another EU country. I last week something snap in my core. I went to the doctor and he told me that i can't stress my core at all. The doctor gave me sick line for 4 weeks. I translate that sick line and send to my manager.
Yesterday my manager told me that i will not be entitled to company sick pay as i can't attend occupational or welfare meetings and becouse my sick lane is not UK sick lane i will not get any statutory sick pay.

Can they decide to not pay? Even if the doctor is from EU country and sicl lane was translated to english?

I know that i'm not at home at the moment but i still haveto pay my rent.

I would be very greatfull for any advise.

sangie595

teter8 wrote: »

Hi

I was on holiday in another EU country. I last week something snap in my core. I went to the doctor and he told me that i can't stress my core at all. The doctor gave me sick line for 4 weeks. I translate that sick line and send to my manager.
Yesterday my manager told me that i will not be entitled to company sick pay as i can't attend occupational or welfare meetings and becouse my sick lane is not UK sick lane i will not get any statutory sick pay.

Can they decide to not pay? Even if the doctor is from EU country and sicl lane was translated to english?

I know that i'm not at home at the moment but i still haveto pay my rent.

I would be very greatfull for any advise.

Yes they can decided not to pay. Any employer has the right to question the validity of a "sick note" if they have cause to believe that it may not be truthful. This very commonly happens when people become ill when on holiday and do not return to work / return to the country when expected back., otherwise everyone would become ill when on holiday. It is not unreasonable of them to want to verify what they are being told - I once employed a member of staff who was sick every time he went home (to another country) on holiday, and his booked two weeks holiday became four - six weeks every time! If you are not in the country they cannot verify that you are really sick.


What has prevented you from returning to the UK as expected - I am not sure what "stressing the core" means, but does that actually prevent you from returning? Surely the journey wouldn't be a risk, and then the employer can verify your condition and/or you can get a fit note from a UK GP.

Undervalued

sangie595 wrote: »

Yes they can decided not to pay. Any employer has the right to question the validity of a "sick note" if they have cause to believe that it may not be truthful. This very commonly happens when people become ill when on holiday and do not return to work / return to the country when expected back., otherwise everyone would become ill when on holiday. It is not unreasonable of them to want to verify what they are being told - I once employed a member of staff who was sick every time he went home (to another country) on holiday, and his booked two weeks holiday became four - six weeks every time! If you are not in the country they cannot verify that you are really sick.


What has prevented you from returning to the UK as expected - I am not sure what "stressing the core" means, but does that actually prevent you from returning? Surely the journey wouldn't be a risk, and then the employer can verify your condition and/or you can get a fit note from a UK GP.

Yes, and even than that would only apply to statutory sick pay.

Any entitlement to company sick pay will almost certainly be discretionary and even then may be subject to certain conditions.

I think this is a situation where you need to appeal to their good nature rather than try to "stand on your rights" as these my be very limited.

teter8

So the only way to not get in deblt is to leave treatment here and comeback to Uk. then go to my GP and find out that paracetamol will ill me? Great

Undervalued

Generally this is why people have travel insurance.

Yes, being in the EU will mean you get free medical treatment (as it seems you are) but it will not cover incidental costs or losses.

Had you been some distance away in the UK you would be little better of. Yes you would have a UK "sick note" but that only entitles you to SSP after the first three days. Anything else is down to your firms sick pay policies and discretion.

I don't follow the paracetamol bit.....

tomtontom

Is there any reason why you can't have the same treatment here?

sangie595

teter8 wrote: »

So the only way to not get in deblt is to leave treatment here and comeback to Uk. then go to my GP and find out that paracetamol will ill me? Great

No - as Undervalued has pointed out, the way to ensure that you do not get into debt or incur other unexpected costs is to have insurance. There are enough places, including this site, telling people not to travel without insurance, so you cannot blame your employer or anyone else for the fact that you decided not to take it out.


I also don't understand your reference to your GP, but if you are saying that your entire treatment regime is paracetamol, I cannot understand why you are unable to return to the UK. We have some of the best doctors in the world in the UK, which is why they are so sought after - I am sure that you will get at least as good treatment here, and you will also then be able to provide your employer with a UK fit note and attend any referrals the employer wants to confirm your diagnosis.

Mojisola

teter8 wrote: »

I last week something snap in my core. I went to the doctor and he told me that i can't stress my core at all.

As this isn't a health problem which would be recognised by the NHS, perhaps that's why your company isn't being co-operative.

teter8

the reason is that in my country i can have priveate treatment from very good neurologist. Private mean that i have to pay but prices here are really cheap, especially compare to UK salary.

About paracetamol treatment. That was sarcasm. doesn't matter how sick you are you always get paracetamol.
My daughter get paracetamol for pneumonia from those pseudo doctors.
Lucky i went straigh to the child hospital. thatsway i don't want any treatment from those "doctors"

tomtontom

I can't say I've ever been prescribed paracetamol by my GP ...

What exactly is your injury/ condition - in English?

Undervalued

teter8 wrote: »

the reason is that in my country i can have priveate treatment from very good neurologist. Private mean that i have to pay but prices here are really cheap, especially compare to UK salary.

About paracetamol treatment. That was sarcasm. doesn't matter how sick you are you always get paracetamol.
My daughter get paracetamol for pneumonia from those pseudo doctors.
Lucky i went straigh to the child hospital. thatsway i don't want any treatment from those "doctors"

Well I should ask your beloved doctors in your wonderful country to treat the chip on your shoulder while they are at it.