Work contacting me whilst off sick

[doghelp]

Hi wondered if anybody could help with this please.

I have a sick note for 6 weeks, this is the second one (the last was for 4 weeks). I work for a large organisation and I have a line manager.

He is demanding that I phone twice a week with an update. Can he do this when I have a sicknote. The phone call is not a caring one it is demanding personal details.

TIA

Whilst twice a week seems a little excessive, there is nothing wrong with an employer requesting updates on your condition and possible date of return. They need to know whether you are likely to return at the end of this sick note so that they can plan appropriately.

You have a sick note for 4 weeks time, and you won't be returning before then is all he needs to know, as the rest of it is none of his damn business.

Can it depend what you are signed off for?

My union said that work could make contact but within reason and not pester me.

Having to phone twice a week doesn't seem appropriate. Only HR is entitled to know about the illness. He just needs to know when you're returning. Can you email updates so it's on paper and he can't pressurise you. Something vague like 'for efficiency, I'm am emailing an update. As you are aware, my condition is still on going. I expect to be back in work on x date. Regards x'

Having recently been through this, hour line manager does have the right to stay in regular contact with you especially as this is now an extended period of leave. I was told the amount of contact should be decided through myself and my line manager but I did stress to her that calling me even weekly was stressing me out and not aiding my recovery. If you and your line manager can't agree on the timings maybe try your HR team? You can't stop them calling you but you do have some control right now - Keep strong and stay confident

Thank you for your replies. The sick note is for a mmr