SSP claim? Medical suspension? Other?

[HealthHazard]

Bit of a specific query but hoping someone can help me out.

I'm an HCP. Been in job since around Xmas on zero hour contract but averaging 20-25 hrs a week throughout.

I have now got an infection (MRSA) which means I probably won't be allowed to work for a while. I am well though.

So 2 questions really - would I able able to get my GP to sign me off sick and claim SSP until I get the all clear. Or ask work to assign me different duties for a while without direct patient care. And can I even get SSP when on a zero hours contract?

My other jobs have all been on proper contracts and NHS so I would have probably been put on medical suspension, paid, there. Getting no income will obvs be a problem, and while SSP is a small amount, it would suffice for a few weeks.

If work will assign you different duties, I imagine that is the best option in terms of pay. I'd suggest a fit note from your GP specifying what you are fit for.

If not, then the fact that your contract says zero guaranteed hours doesn't mean you are not entitled to SSP. As long as you are an employee, you can get SSP - your entitlement is worked out on average earnings over an 8 week period, rather than just looking at whether you are contractually entitled to x amount of pay per month/week.

Thanks Flowery, I have never claimed SSP before but that is very helpful to know.

There is a good chance I can get at least a few hours (enough to be more than SSP) for non frontline duties as I can do some supervisory/admin/quality type stuff for a while.

I am going to speak to OH and see what their take is, unfortunately I strongly suspect that I am more able to risk assess the situation then they are and TBH I would take myself off frontline work until several clear screenings have been submitted. My patients would be quite vulnerable if I passed it on to them.

I just feel really weird about possibly asking to be signed off sick when I am perfectly well enough to work - but I don't want to put any patients at risk. I have hardly ever taken sick leave really, so I've never really had to think about it.

Well, being well enough to physically work isn't enough though is it? If you have a medical condition which means you are not well enough to do the job you do, then while you have that medical condition, you are not fit to do that particular job, or particular elements of that job. That's what a fit note is about - identifying what bits of your job your medical condition precludes you from performing, as well as identifying what type of work you are fit for. In your case, your fit note should say that you are fit to work performing tasks that do not involve contact with patients.

I know you are right.

That is exactly what I would tell someone else.

Careful the wet kipper doesn't cause further injury resulting in a fit note saying you can't do anything at all....