Out of work due to a sprained ankle

[Alicja18]

So I sprained my ankle like 3 weeks ago kinda bad went today again to get it checked out to fibd out I'm going to be out of work for longer cause I need physiotherapy and am i allowed to go out for food or to the shop our is it illegal cause i have friend saying that my boss will kick me out of work if he sees me is that true or am I allowed to kinda live my life or should I stay home

Well you obviously shouldn’t be going anywhere that involves any extended amount of walking/standing if your ankle is bad enough that you can’t work! So nipping you the shops is one thing, a day mooching around the shops another

It's not illegal to leave your house when on leave with a sprained ankle. Of course you are allowed to get food shopping.

What's your job? If you're able to walk to the shops you're probably well enough to sit behind a desk. (Appreciate it might be different if you're a gymnast or a lorry driver)

No one is expecting you to starve if you have no domestic support. Shop online or go to the shops. Your boss is unlikely to see you unless you live in a small rural village. Its none of his business if the doctor has signed you off.

What work do you do? It seems unusual to be so incapacitated after 3 weeks. Even if you need physio that is normally only once a week or so and you are advised to keep mobile in the meantime. If you can go to shops etc it might be expected that you could work, even with adjustments to duties. Has your gp signed you off?

I am an old hand with sprained ankles - very rare for so long off work - have they said no weight bearing at all?

Does your job involve being on your feet all day?

@spookycookies

What's your job? If you're able to walk to the shops you're probably well enough to sit behind a desk. (Appreciate it might be different if you're a gymnast or a lorry driver)

Not really. A sprained ankle normally needs elevation and rest. Sitting with the foot hanging down is making it worse, not better.

I had a stretched ligament in my ankle and wore a brace I could walk with, very short distances. I was able to get the bus to. the supermarket and then do a short shop and back with the shopping in a backpack.

I would try online shopping ideally but noone will fire you for getting essentials if you don't have anyone who can do it for you.

So I'm a waitres I'm on my feet 13 hours a day like today at the hospital they said I'll have to be off for awhile again so yeah like I wanted to get food in the restaurant with friends but don't know if I'm allowed

That might be rubbing their noses in it a bit. Have you asked for non mobile role (till, food prep etc). What does your fit note state?

I wouldn't go out for lunch probably if your boss is a tyrant, but going to shops/normal errands should be fine.

I broke my foot a few years ago and still went out for very limited time, I needed a moonboot, crutches and was off for a few months. When I no longer needed the crutches I went out for dinner and drinks with my workies. I wouldn't go to the restaurant you work at tho.

Good job it wasn’t your texting thumb …

I broke my foot when I had a bar job and clearly couldn't work when I was on crutches as it was impossible to carry drinks and walk at the same time

They just didn't rota me on for any shifts, I still went in for drinks sometimes but they were fine with this (and could see I clearly couldn't work). I got a moonboot after a while and was able to work then.

It depends on your boss, if you think it might cause trouble I wouldn't go in - but of course you can leave the house!

Do you look injured in any way? Crutches etc?

@LIZS

That might be rubbing their noses in it a bit. Have you asked for non mobile role (till, food prep etc). What does your fit note state?

That depends on the insurance of the business. There are rules about what is allowed about. moving people to other positions. If the OP is on. sick leave than her business can't move her easily.