formal meeting after absence due to illness

[parateach]

I'm wondering what to expect.

For context, I'm a teacher assistant. Been working at this school for the past 16 years.

I have had non stop bleeding for the past months (sometimes heavy, sometimes days without it and sometimes drops) and stomach ache, fatigue, and lately hemorrhoids.

Been to the doctor several times, done several tests but they all came inconclusive. They suspect various things, including endometriosis, and are ruling out the different options through tests. I have a scan incoming as well as a meeting with the gynaecologist. But until then I'm not able to know.
I've been given medications that barely have any effects.

I was supposed to go back to school in August (Scotland), but have been unable to. I showed them doctor's letters and medical certificates. I've always been too ill to go back and had to unfortunately keep extending. I was supposed to go back today but I was still not feeling 100% and told them I would be staying in until the gynaecologist told me what was going on later this week.

They have now requested a formal meeting whenever I'm back.

@LeonBlack
'I manage a team and have to do a return to work meeting for any absence - even one day. I think that’s pretty standard'

What a complete waste of managerial time...

sickness rates have ballooned and have a MASSIVE impact on businesses

this op for example - imagine the disruption and cost to the school due to OP not coming in because “I don’t feel 100%)

it might appear a waste of time but the hope is that it will put off people from just chucking in the odd sick day because they fancy a duvet day

It should be a supportive meeting and to ensure you're able to access all relevant supports. Nothing to worry about. The word formal isn't helpful...

I also work in a Scottish primary so I'm coming from that perspective.

''@Paltrypam · Yesterday 07:02

sickness rates have ballooned and have a MASSIVE impact on businesses

this op for example - imagine the disruption and cost to the school due to OP not coming in because “I don’t feel 100%)

it might appear a waste of time but the hope is that it will put off people from just chucking in the odd sick day because they fancy a duvet day''

I despair at this type of attitude.

It is your choice to think that people just ''fancy a duvet day''. I tend to believe that most people go off sick because they are, you know, truly sick...

As a manager I see no benefit whatsoever in wasting my time having a meeting with everyone who has one day or 2 of sick leave, after all that is their legal right.

I would only meet with someone who had been on long term sick leave to discuss their return and any support they might need to return to work.

Of course if someone goes off sick every Monday because they have partied hard at the weekend that is a different scenario that would need to be addressed...but I don't believe most people simply take the piss.

I think employers should also look at why people go off sick. In many places this is because they don't hire enough staff to do the jobs that need to be done and instead try to push people to the limit and because of poor management and toxic work environment. One of the reasons we have so many people going off sick with stress and other mental health issues...

I worked in a school. Their policy was return to work meetings after any absence even if only one day.