Can I start a new job, whilst signed off following an operation

Undervalued

sangie595 wrote: »

Going to work may be inconvenient, exhausting and unpleasant for someone, but there is absolutely no reason why they shouldn't - they are generally not incapable of work.

Not quire sure where you draw the line.

You could argue that anybody who is not actually in a coma is capable of doing some work if the right task is put in front of them!

In your example, somebody feeling very poorly with the "flu" is far more prone to making mistakes which could be anything from inconvenient to costly or even life threatening depending on their occupation.

sangie595

Undervalued wrote: »

Not quire sure where you draw the line.

You could argue that anybody who is not actually in a coma is capable of doing some work if the right task is put in front of them!

In your example, somebody feeling very poorly with the "flu" is far more prone to making mistakes which could be anything from inconvenient to costly or even life threatening depending on their occupation.

That is the point I was making. The drawing of the line is an imprecise art. I'm not suggesting that people should go to work when ill. I was responding to specific questions about sickness that results from elective procedures. The term itself is not helpful. I didn't choose for the bone in my hip to die and begin to break down, and if it is not replaced I will soon be unable to walk. More than that, the breaking bone could become infected and I could die. So describing my hip replacement as elective surgery (which is how it is described,) is stupid. Given a choice I would "elect " not to have the condition! Given that I have it, I would prefer not to die from it, so the surgery isn't a choice at all.

The poster I originally responded to seemed quite gleeful that the OP may not get sick pay at all for a hip replacement because it is elective surgery. They are wrong.

Missus_Hyde

sangie595 wrote: »

I didn't choose for the bone in my hip to die and begin to break down, and if it is not replaced I will soon be unable to walk. More than that, the breaking bone could become infected and I could die. So describing my hip replacement as elective surgery (which is how it is described,) is stupid. Given a choice I would "elect " not to have the condition! Given that I have it, I would prefer not to die from it, so the surgery isn't a choice at all.

I'm afraid I know absolutely nothing about sick pay, but I do know about hip replacements, having had both hips replaced due to avascular necrosis (like you, Sangie). The first was replaced 18 months ago and the second three months ago.

I just wanted to wish you and Albertteacake the very best for your "elective" surgery and hope all goes well for you both.

I would say you do need about eight weeks before returning to work and even then you should be a little careful about the sort of things you do. Because it is a very "common" operation (everybody's doing it!! ) people tend to to dismiss it , but it is major invasive surgery and not to be taken lightly. Having said that I was off the crutches after about four weeks after both operations and the improvement to my mobility made the whole thing worth it.

It's very important to do all your exercises regularly!!:)

sangie595

Missus_Hyde wrote: »

I'm afraid I know absolutely nothing about sick pay, but I do know about hip replacements, having had both hips replaced due to avascular necrosis (like you, Sangie). The first was replaced 18 months ago and the second three months ago.

I just wanted to wish you and Albertteacake the very best for your "elective" surgery and hope all goes well for you both.

I would say you do need about eight weeks before returning to work and even then you should be a little careful about the sort of things you do. Because it is a very "common" operation (everybody's doing it!! ) people tend to to dismiss it , but it is major invasive surgery and not to be taken lightly. Having said that I was off the crutches after about four weeks after both operations and the improvement to my mobility made the whole thing worth it.

It's very important to do all your exercises regularly!!:)

Thank you. That's really kind. And yes, I know there can be complications, but I am looking forward to it. I want my mobility back! My physio is actually repeatedly telling me to keep the exercises down - I tend to want to do better too quickly.

bluesnake

My tuppence worth: My colleague had a heart op. His op was cancelled twice as the theatres were needed for other emergencies, with about a 1.5 month delay between each date, so took 5 months longer to get the op.

Secondly, assuming all is going well, and no complications, will your manager let you work from home, or employ you early without a fit note, because if something goes wrong then your work could be liable for employing you while not fully functional, and your manager has a duty of care to the staff, so could lose his job. My manager allowed my friend and colleague to work from home, both before and two months after the procedure and his came up.

Good luck with your procedure.

theoretica

Albertteacake wrote: »

Checking the statutory sick pay rules, I would not qualify, having completed no work for them. What is my legal status as an employee on 1st November?
My new employer is fully aware of the situation and both employers have been very sympathetic and understanding.

What are you actually concerned about? A few weeks without SSP? Would you be eligible for ESA for that time?

Or an employment gap? If so, why?

Albertteacake

Thanks so much for your views. My concern was being without pay for a period. Employment gap not such an issue as my wife is the main earner and I had six years out as a househusband. I have looked closer at it and think we should be ok for a few weeks if it comes to that. My new employer sent me an email which I re-read over the weekend ( I was in a bit of a tiz on Friday ) and they are going to look at me working from home to start. I will have lots of reading to do to start, so it could be an effective use of my time.