Do you have to send a sick note in or take it in on your return?

[MaureenMLove]

Legally wise, I mean.

One of the girls I manage has been signed off for the week. She's text me her sick note from the hospital and I've emailed it on to HR.

HR have told me that she must send it in asap.

1. Is this really necessary? Apart from anything else, by the time she gets the opportunity to send it in (she lives a far distance from work) she'll be back
2. I am not going to contact, one of my staff whilst she's off sick. This I know is not acceptable.

Does anyone have the legal stance on sick notes?

Thanks

I am not going to contact, one of my staff whilst she's off sick. This I know is not acceptable.

It is acceptable, and expected. She can post it, it doesn't need to be delivered by hand.

My husband is currently off sick. We live 45 miles away from where he works.

He has made sure all his sick notes have arrived at work on the relevant dates either by post or asking a family member to take it in.

A copy is fine for the moment, I work in HR and a scanned copy or picture for our payroll is fine. If HR want the original then just ask her to post it at her convenience, let HR know she'll do when she is able to and that should keep everyone happy!

I also work in Payroll for a company. No sick note = no sick pay either SSP or Company.

Oh interesting, thanks all. The poor thing is in hospital at the moment and she has no partner.

Maybe it's just me being too nice about not bothering people when they're off sick. I never want to give the impression that I'm fishing for return dates, when your health is far more important than a job in my opinion.

She will be OK and she'll be back on Monday, so by the time she gets the opportunity to send it, it'll probably be Monday!

Thanks everyone

In hospital and no partner - has no one gone to see her. I was in hospital for a week and because they knew I was on my own I had regular visitors.

SSP can't be with-held if a fit note is late but where I work we also have Company sick pay via an insurance policy and we have to send copies to the company who administer this.

Does she have any family? I agree if she has no one to visit then a visit from someone from work with a card/flowers would be nice if the distance is practical.