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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To believe you cannot go into work while signed off sick?

37 replies

whatishistory · 17/10/2016 11:10

I'll try to keep this brief. I work for a university. I have had a university library book recalled so that it is now due while I'm signed off sick. I've explained the situation to the library, but they've refused to do anything and will fine me £1 a day.

I know it sounds a small amount, but we have two DDs and my DH was recently made redundant so every penny counts.

I always thought that you're not supposed to go into work/be on the premises while signed off due to insurance purposes. AIBU to email HR and ask for their advice? I've done nothing wrong here. There's nobody else who could go to my office and take it to the library as we are closed down for reading week. My husband and DDs are away visiting grandparents. (The school's are off here in Scotland).

OP posts:

pyjamasalways · 17/10/2016 12:11

I'm off sick ATM. I have to go into work everyday as my dc attend the school i work in, it's fine.
Hope you are better soon.

squishee · 17/10/2016 12:17

You cannot go into work. But this is about returning a library book. I think you're ovethinking this.

Get well soon.

Original poster

whatishistory · 17/10/2016 12:20

Thanks for the replies. Sorry for a bit of a drip feed, but I was focussing upon the insurance issue.

To add some more information: I don't want to go into work to return the book. I am signed off with an episode of psychotic depression and can barely get off the sofa, let alone make it all the way to work and back. It's complicated with DH being away. At the moment, he doesn't know how poorly I am. I have the crisis team coming in twice a day and I think I may be dragged taken into hospital this afternoon.

I was hoping I could find an alternative/legitimate way of not having to go into work without explaining details of how mad poorly I am to a library person over email.

I'm not bothered about them changing the due date, but a fine of at least £7 is a lot of money to us right now. All I want is for the fine to be waived. However, the university seems to see its staff as a cash cow. We've had to sign agreements that they can take parking and other fines straight out of our pay packet.

OP posts:

BusStopBetty · 17/10/2016 12:24

Is there a colleague who could drop it into the library for you?

mouldycheesefan · 17/10/2016 12:26

It sounds like it may be best for your dh to cut short his time away and return home. 💐

HopperBusTicket · 17/10/2016 12:30

FWIW I agree with others that there's no 'insurance' based reason why you couldn't return the book to the library because the university is also your workplace. But that's not the issue really is it.

I think you should tell your DH how I'll you are. If it was my husband I'd want to know rather than coming home and finding he'd been admitted to hospital but hadn't told me how unwell he was. Try not to worry about the fine right now - I think it's likely it will be waived even if they tell you now that you have to pay. In any case, please don't worry about it right now.

I hope you're feeling better soon.

Original poster

whatishistory · 17/10/2016 12:31

I am overthinking this. I have bigger problems than a late book. Logic isn't a strong point right now. I'll figure this out when I'm back and just get them to waive the fines. I suspect that occupational health will help in that respect. They're good at kicking arse.

OP posts:

Toddlerteaplease · 17/10/2016 12:32

I have been in when I was signed off with MS relapses. Just because I was going stir crazy and feeling very isolated. While I was off sick after having treatment last year I had to pop
In and do some health and safety link nurse work. My ward manger had no idea how to do it and it was easier to do it myself than try and explain. Got to work to be greeeted with"can you hon and see X to help her with hers as well. Didn't mind though.

ZuleikaDobson · 17/10/2016 12:38

If you are taken into hospital, I suspect they will waive the fines at least from that point.

mouldycheesefan · 17/10/2016 12:56

Forget about th book, let dh sort that when he gets back. In the grand scheme it is not important. 💐

TheProblemOfSusan · 17/10/2016 13:16

If occupational health asked me to waive someone's fines I totally wouldn't bat an eyelid and I absolutely wouldn't ask why. I'd just do it. But the system that manages the books will probably only offer that happen when the book is actually returned.

shovetheholly · 17/10/2016 13:23

Oh you poor, poor thing. That sounds absolutely horrendous. I am sorry you're going through it alone without your DH as well. It must be very frightening. I am holding your hand, virtually!

I think you are over-thinking this, but I also know that is the nature of MH problems. Small issues can feel insurmountable, part of a much bigger picture that is negative and depressing. People don't understand this - it is one of the cruellest things about any kind of physical or mental illness, that everyday tasks feel truly unachievable and impossible. I can remember crying after having surgery because I couldn't get through to the GP surgery and it was exhausting to keep trying over and over again.

I don't think you should focus on the book right now. However, if there is an understanding, kind colleague you can contact and ask to return it on your behalf, I am sure they would want to help. I know I would if I worked with you. You don't even have to explain why you are ill, just the fact that you can't really get up off the sofa at the moment.

Really wishing you well and hoping that you get the support you need this afternoon. I will be thinking of you.

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