For note and returning to work

[ODFOkaren]

Just a quick one, I am currently in a stalemate with my boss.

I’ve been signed off work by the dr for two weeks.

My boss is saying I can’t return to work without a fit note stating I can.

My dr said no, this is rubbish. We won’t do that unless we issue another fit note with stipulations for returning (reduced hours etc) which won’t be the case.

I’ve looked it up and you don’t need a letter saying you can return.

But my boss is insisting on one.

What do I do?

This could be totally wrong but as I understand it, your boss can't let you back before the date on your fit for work notice - if it says 2 weeks from 1st Dec (for example) he can't let you back before 14th December. He doesn't then need another note to say you can return to work - thats how it was in the 'olden days' of sick notes so he may just not understand these Fit for Work things. Have to confess they confuse the hell out of me and I'm so grateful we don't have to deal with them very often.

I won’t be going back before the end date on the fit note.

And it quite clearly says on the bottom, “I will
Not need to assess your fitness for work at the end of this period”.

But my boss is insisting they need a letter.

GP says they don’t need one. I’ve been googling and every thing says they don’t - possibly in the case of a work related injury or illness but this isn’t!

I really don’t know what to do here.

I couldn’t pay privately - I don’t get sick pay so first week I’ve lost pay and the two weeks sick are SSP. I’m already panicking about rent.

Do you have HR that could explain it to him?

She said it was from HR and is company policy?!

I’m going to try and get an email for HR later - can’t call as I can’t speak at the mo! (never seen or heard from then, we are a small
Care home owner by a company that own a couple of hundred, he’s office is 300 miles away).

I’m honestly stumped with what to do.

Sorry so many typos!

It's actually changed and you CAN return to work prior to your fit note ending now. No impact on employers insurance.

But what about the letter?

Like I said I won’t be returning to work before the end date. That’s not the issue.

They are saying I can’t return after the end of the sick note without a letter to say I’m fit for work without a drs note. Which the dr had said is rubbish and they won’t do.

Your employer is wrong. Not sure how to get around that bit.

Christ, I should have expected this. The whole
Company is a shit show anyway, pay is always wrong etc. Hopefully moving in a few months so I can leave the place anyway.

But this is just a stupid situation and I’m stuck!

If all else fails you could ask your doctor for a letter,although mine would charge £20 for one.But you shouldn't have to do this.I would ring the surgery and ask receptionist to try and get the so called fit note they are demanding.