Is an injury that mean you can't drive a reason not to go to work?

[JumpandScore]

Just that really. A friend has done a lot of damage to her ankle and is in plaster up to the knee. She's reasonably mobile on her crutches now she's had some practise and she does a desk job. She feels she's well enough to work, but she can't drive to get there.

It's possible on public transport, but not easy, will take much longer than driving (approx. 1.5 hours v 20 mins) several changes, some walking and be expensive, as the last bit would involve a taxi. What would you expect your employee to do?

Interesting article here: www.hrzone.com/lead/change/ask-the-expert-should-we-allow-a-sick-employee-to-return-to-work

I'd say it would depend on her sick note. Being unable to drive to work on its own wouldn't be a reason to be off sick. But mobility problems would be. A leg in plaster would justify a sick note from a doctor. IMHO. I don't think she should worry about her employers opinion because she has a valid reason for being off. If her employers agree then working from home seems a sensible option.

That article's almost 3 years old magpie. It all changed with the introduction of fit notes, which was kind of the point. People who want to work can work even if signed off.

Fit notes were introduced in 2010. I interpreted this article as saying that if someone is signed off the company has a duty of care to not require her to work - and if she wants to work then she should get a fit note specifying what adjustments should be made. Not that she should blatantly ignore medical advice and go info work anyway. Disclaimer I'm not a medical or HR professional and I have done just that in the past

Yes, that's how I'd read the article to, but I've been in exactly this situation with staff members who wanted to return to work (because thier paid sick leave was about to expire) and been told by HR professionals that I can't require them to stay away.