Using holiday instead of sick pay.

[Caulkheadupnorf]

Not really sure how to word this.

I've just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and need surgery next week, with a four-six week recovery.

I've been there a year but contract says just SSP until I've been there two years.

I've got 11 days of holiday left, can I book them for the surgery/recovery and then have the rest of the time off sick so I don't have such a salary drop, or is that not legal?

I've emailed HR but the main person is on holiday and won't be back before my surgery.

Perfectly legal yes, although your employer can refuse your holiday request just as they could with any other one. Most would agree this though.

Hope it all goes well for you.

Perfectly legal. I used to use holiday rather than sick at all times just from personal preference.

Although then I got properly I'll earlier in the year and I've had sick leave a few times this year.

Wishing you all the best for your surgery

Brilliant, thank you.

I think work will be fine with it, holiday goes through our local base but HR is at a more national base and my team have bent over backwards to be as accommodating as possible.