Query about doctor's note and HR verification

[VladmirsPoutine]

Small debate about this in our little office. Say colleague has had multiple unexplained absences during a particular month and the continuation of their employment depends on them certifying those illness / absences with a letter from a doctor.

If the colleague did bring in a doctor's letter which more or less in a prosaic manner outlines the illness etc. Could someone from HR contact the GP about the letter?

I'm thinking we couldn't because it would break confidentiality. But then again there's nothing in a simple conversation asking "Dr.X did you write this note about person Y?" That would break any confidentiality.

The company I work for ask for your written consent which they then send to your GP asking for written confirmation including any reasonable adjustments needed at work.

You can ask. I really doubt the doctor will answer . Even acknowledging your colleague as a patient breaks confidentiality.

Not like that no. The correct procedure would be for HR to ask the employee to undertake an occupational health consultation. If OH felt that further detail on the employees health was needed they would ask the employee for permission to contact their GP.

Are you saying that you think the colleague is faking the letter?

Why are you gossiping about this person’s absence? Are you their manager? If not why should you have any idea why they’re off?

HR could contact the surgery to confirm the letter/certificate is genuine if they were concerned it was faked. They usually have a reference number or something.
If they wanted more info/detail, they would have to ask the employee to consent to share their info, and even then the GP would be careful about how much they shared, and the employee could ask for a copy of the report or whatever before it’s released to the business.

Wolfie No. Colleague is also a good friend so I suppose you could consider it gossiping about something colleague has openly spoken about

Not a very good friend if you’re gossiping about their situation behind their back.