Taking work calls whilst off sick

DCFC79

gwen80 wrote: »

Surely you don't have to self cert if you have a drs note though?

I was under the impression you self cert for the first 7 days, if off for more you use the drs note as mentioned here https://www.gov.uk/taking-sick-leave

Thats my interpretation of the link, maybe ive misunderstood it.

Whats the firms policy on this ?

TELLIT01

gwen80 wrote: »

Surely you don't have to self cert if you have a drs note though?

Correct. The idea behind the 7 day self cert is to reduce the pressure on GPs. If the first day of absence is going to be the date of the operation, a certificate can / will be issued from that day.

Mav6215

Just a thought but why not inform your manager that in all likeliness you will not be up to taking calls explaining previous operations so that if she does try ringing not to be surprised if you don't/can't answer?

You could always add that you will try to ring back at the first opportunity you feel able to.

PasturesNew

I'd just not answer .... and that's it.

You can't answer if: you've been recalled to Hospital, you're at the GP's having them take a look, with a nurse having a bandage changed, at a relative's/neighbour's being looked after.

Not to mention if you're in bed and the phone's downstairs, or you're on the loo or in the bath .... or sleeping.

elsien

Ditto. I'm of the "if I'm off sick, I will not be taking work calls so don't bother trying" line of thought.
I will contact work as often as I need to to follow the sickness procedure, but don't start asking about anything else. I don't need to give reasons why I'm not available beacayse I'm off sick. That is reason enough.
Which is why the only contact number work have for me is my work mobile and a rarely used PAYG. Both of which are be turned off when I'm not in work.

k3lvc

gwen80 wrote: »

Honestly, I don't want the pressure (now, up to or following my operation) that they are relying on me when I may not be up to it. My preference would be that work planned ahead to cover my absence and got the information they need before I go off.

I'm completely with you in terms of the pressure but you can't have it both ways. If they're not going to have anyone to cover for you (and few businesses now run with that sort of flex) then your choice is

a) answering the phone at limited times to help them keep things on track (or alternatively I manage things like this via an SMS of 'pls ring me when you can re xxx')

b) switch your phone off, look after yourself and pick up the pieces when you return

Neither are optimal in terms of wellbeing but then neither is the world nowadays

ohreally

Put your foot down and inform them not to contact you until you are prepared to accept this.

gwen80

k3lvc wrote: »

I'm completely with you in terms of the pressure but you can't have it both ways. If they're not going to have anyone to cover for you (and few businesses now run with that sort of flex) then your choice is

a) answering the phone at limited times to help them keep things on track (or alternatively I manage things like this via an SMS of 'pls ring me when you can re xxx')

b) switch your phone off, look after yourself and pick up the pieces when you return

Neither are optimal in terms of wellbeing but then neither is the world nowadays

They can manage without me if they:

a. Prepare by ensuring they have the info they need before I go off
b. Prioritise work appropriately

My problem with my managers comment is that she's relying on me instead of preparing appropriately in the six weeks she's had. That in turn puts pressure on me at what is already a stressful time.

gwen80

Mav6215 wrote: »

Just a thought but why not inform your manager that in all likeliness you will not be up to taking calls explaining previous operations so that if she does try ringing not to be surprised if you don't/can't answer?

You could always add that you will try to ring back at the first opportunity you feel able to.

That's what I intend to do this week. I also intend to start copying her in all emails regarding said project so she has the latest communications about it. Even so I'm concerned she could pester me whilst I'm off and I don't want her taking the mick by telling me I have to self cert if I don't have to.

Last year I fell backwards down 9 steps with my head breaking my fall on the concrete. I was made to call in every day (fine), but I was told that I had to talk to my boss - I couldn't leave a message. I spent each day on the phone trying to reach her because funnily enough she was never at her desk. It was really stressful and I've since discovered other members of the team can just leave a message.

Mav6215

When I was off sick for several weeks back in 2008 my employer wanted me to ring every day even though I had sick certificates from my GP covering a week at a time.

Told them where to get off in no uncertain terms as they were making my recovery harder. I contacted them weekly to inform them of the latest prognosis and to tell them a new certificate was on the way.