Treatment in two stages - one or two periods of sickness

antonic

I am a Civil Servant who has been through the same experience.

Broke my wrist in a fall and was off sick for 10 weeks while it healed.

Unfortunately it didnt heal properly ( bone grew back in the wrong direction) so 16 months later I needed corrective surgery (which worked).

My manager treated the second absence as a continuation of my first absence and took no action.

For my first absence no action was taken apart from the reason for my absence being noted and discussed.

Nick_C

You can't take disciplinary action against someone because of sickness. Its capability, not disciplinary. But extended or frequent bouts of sickness can give grounds for dismissal.

I would discuss this with your line manager. Be open and honest with them. See if there is any way you can schedule the ops to minimise inconvenience to the employer.

nimbo

My last eye surgery was planned but only one bout. Did technically trigger a meeting. But as it was planned they were fine about it. It's obvious you're not pulling a fast one as surgery will require recovery time. when you tell them dates ask what they will do about it? Call hr. my manager was unsure stating he didn't think I could pre book sickness. they were really good talking me through the process.

ohreally

Nick_C wrote: »

You can't take disciplinary action against someone because of sickness.

Where do you get that from?

Nick_C wrote: »

Its capability, not disciplinary.

A disciplinary hearing will be convened either due to conduct or capability.

ScorpiondeRooftrouser

sangie595 wrote: »

Almost certainly two periods. I can't think of a single employer who would treat is as one. But if it comes to it you will still only be in stage one - bad luck but it happens to plenty of people, so don't let it stress you. If this is an unusual pattern of sickness for you, it will just be a warning to reduce your sickness and no further action will be taken. Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things!

I would really hope that most companies would have more sense than to think warning people not to need eye surgery could possibly have any effect.

System

Thanks.

Only needing the procedure done in one eye.

Four years ago, a colleague had problems with her gallbladder. Came back to work after feeling ok, only for her to collapse or be sick 2-3 days later. Her 6 months off, which included two operations, my employer classed that as one sickness, even she worked 5-8 days in that time