Work defamation of character?

[Funrimex123]

Husband has recently left work due to stress- gave a months notice and went sick for that month as he was really struggling. Email out of office has been changed by the owner to XXXX is currently on long term sick and is unlikely to return to work. Is this legal?

You should maybe pop this on the Employment board for more responses.

How is that defamation of character? He is on sick leave and isn't returning.

I know very little about employment law, but it sounds perfectly reasonable to me.

Being off sick long term is no reflection of anyone's character. I have been told the very same as this about a colleague. I have not been told any more. I do know more because a mutual friend has told me. But I've only been told what I need to know, like your DHs colleagues.

He’s on sick leave and isn’t returning but he has resigned and it’s not long term sick

A month seems quite long term to me but I guess that is subjective.

I don't know about defamation but it seems like a breach of confidentiality. Surely just a standard out of office please contact X would suffice until he's officially left. It seems very passive aggressive.