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Sickness Procedure advice

6 replies

ohbloodynora · 06/06/2012 17:34

I was just wondering where I stand with this as am a bit worried...
I was signed off work by my doctor for approx 3 months with Post Natal Depression, and more recenly I have had the past 5 weeks off with Viral Meningitis.
Should this warrant and formal meetings? I've heard I may be on a stage 1 which means I cant be off for a year, but I am supposed to be having my gallbladder out in November so am a bit concerned.
Any advice?

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ohbloodynora · 06/06/2012 17:38

Sorry should have said the 3 months was last year, May to Aug...

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KatieMiddleton · 06/06/2012 17:48

What's the policy where you work? Tbh I would disregard postnatal depression because I would class it as maternity related - but this is not industry standard by any means.

I think the best advice I can give you is to tell you that sickness absence management is to deal with the piss-takers and those who seriously disrupt operations with their sporadic absence. A capability process may be used for those whose condition/s mean they cannot do their job (after reasonable adjustments where necessary). So long as you have all your doctor's notes and you are cooperative and going to get better at some point I would not worry too much.

If your employer disciplined you in the circumstances you describe I would be concerned about maternity related discrimination, but if they had meetings with you (formal/informal) for the purpose of supporting you back to work and checking your fitness to be at work or if they referred you to occupational health I would think that's a good idea.

AnitaBlake · 06/06/2012 17:52

Sickness review should be a positive not negative experience, its easy yo be afraid of these things, but if occ health and HR are properly involved, then there should be no problem at all. These procedures ,, be used to flag up issues that might be underlying and missed, for example, a person who is off with back pain, but hasn't had a workplace assessment to ensure that they are vetting the right support.

A stage 1, or whatever, doesn't mean you aren't 'allowed' to be off for a year, it simply means that your attendance will be watched more closely.

In my own care, I've had a difficult pregnancy, followed by post-natal depression, usual bugs etc., from having a child who, lets face it is normal, and would pick up anything in the street and eat it if I didn't stop them, plus attending child are, plus allergies, plus a closely followed second pregnancy, difficult first trimester, anti-depressant withdrawal, etc., etc.

I've worked closely with occ health, had various assessments etc., my latest basically said "difficult pregnancy plus toddler, can expect second pregnancy to be similar, she's gonna be off sick...... A lot"

just be honest and open, and you'll be fine love xx

ohbloodynora · 06/06/2012 18:01

Thank you ladies, there is a problem with PND though, as it was so long after my return to work (when my dd was 18 months) the doc put it down as depression, as i suppose they couldnt be sure it was post natal.

Either way, I did have sick notes for both absences so I really don't see why they should put me on a stage 1. I will have a better look at policy tomorrow and speak to HR xx

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KatieMiddleton · 06/06/2012 18:21

Well it depends what a "stage one" means in your organisation. Depression may be classed as a disability if it meets the criteria as outlined in the Equality Act 2010 but that's probably getting a bit ahead of ourselves.

Any way, don't start worrying until you have something to worry about. Check the policy and ignore things you "hear" and focus on things you are told.

ohbloodynora · 06/06/2012 18:27

I will, thanks x

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