Manager saying I cannot return until I have seen OH

[EilaLila]

I've been off sick with a very serious illness, so I understand their caution. However, I prepared my manager for roughly when I intended to return and I politely suggested a nice and early referral to Occupational Health. She stalled until I gently pushed. I'm still waiting for the OH appt and my sick note runs out. I am ready to return to work and my doctor agrees I'm fit. Manager won't agree to my return until I've seen them. Where do I stand? I am losing money that I cannot afford and I'm really anxious about it.

If you have a fit note then you should be back to work when it states. If they are insistent that you remain off then that means they should be paying you.

Cant you just walk in the door the day after your leave finishes?

I'm going to need to return on phased hours initially, so not sure where I stand. I think it'd be different if I was going to return full-time. I'm not sure.

If you're only fit to work subject to reduced hours that's different. Employers are not obliged to accommodate phased returns and could insist employees stay off sick until 100% fit.

Are you in a Union? In the short term would the solution be to ask the doctor for another sick note. I know it's not the ideal solution. But it seems work is being a bit awkward with this stalling of the OH appointment. But maybe they are just be cautious especially as you say you've had a serious illness. Hope things work out.

Thank you, flowery. That was exactly what I needed to know. Obviously that puts me in a tricky position but at least I know where I stand. I'll just gently nag OH until they see me.

I think I'm going to end up needing to be signed off a bit longer, Vivienne. It's not ideal but seems it is what it is.

Thank you for the replies. :)