Dear wise mumsnetters, please help with a unique set of circumstances between DS (18) and ExH.
DS has worked for his Dad for approximately 2 years, initially at the weekend and now full time. He does not have a contract so the hours are adhoc, and he can work anything from 10-50 hours per week as 10 hour shifts.
Yesterday, DS was injured at work when a vehicle he was travelling in the back of suddenly developed a major fault whereby thick black smoke was coming from the engine. DS and the driver immediately attempted to exit the vehicle, however in the panic, the driver stalled and the vehicle jolted enough to cause DS to fall and bang his head on equipment. DS cannot remember if he was knocked out but knows that he was conscious by the time the driver realised he had not exited the vehicle and opened the back door to find out where he was.
DS telephoned me to let me know what had happened and mentioned that his Dad was en route with a replacement vehicle and a mechanic. I advised DS to check if the vehicle was safe to enter, and to locate the first aid kit which is carried to get an ice pack for the lump developing on his head. I also asked him to make sure his Dad checked he was ok when he arrived and possibly seek medical attention if required.
I did not hear from DS or his Dad until DS set off to drive home. I asked how he was and he replied "rubbish - I think I've got a concussion". I asked if his Dad had checked him but he said that he was only concerned with recovering the vehicle and that he had overheard him call him a dickhead to another staff member. I asked that DS just concentrate on driving home safely.
When he arrived home, I checked his head which had a lump but was not bleeding. I am a nurse with extensive neuro/ICU background so am satisfied that DS does not currently require medical treatment but does possibly have a concussion.
This morning, DS does not feel well enough to drive to work. He has a headache and feels slightly jumbled but nothing that I am currently overly concerned about. He has let his Dad know that he will not be working today and that he would let him know about his next shift which is on Friday. His Dad had told him to take Friday off aswell and to get a fit note from the doctor before returning to work next week.
I have explained to DS that this is not the process for self certification and fit notes and that he would need to be off work for longer than 7 days before getting a fit note from a doctor. I have shown him the guidelines from the Gov.uk website but he says that his Dad insists he get a fit note regardless of how long he is off work.
It's really tricky with his Dad being his employer. I do not feel in a position to to challenge his employment practices (which are historically not great) as DS is worried he'll get sacked from a job he really enjoys.
I suppose I'm asking if this seems like something to stand my ground on and intervene with the correct procedure according to the government guidelines, or just let DS follow the instructions given to him by his Dad. I have tried to prepare DS for a time when he isn't related to his employer in the future and to stand up for himself in the workplace. I am also aware that DS is in a tricky position and doesn't necessarily want his Mum fighting his battles for him.
Thankyou for reading.