I am due to have an op on my finger at the end of the month. I have just found out I will need 4 weeks off work afterwards – not even allowed to do light duties. I am working for an agency and have been in the same job for 7 months so, looking online, I should be entitled to SSP. The trouble is my contract will be ending at Xmas so I’d effectively be taking my last 3 weeks off “sick.” I can’t really afford the drop in pay for those 3 weeks (especially with no work over Xmas and none lined up for the New Year) but if I reschedule the op it could interfere with any new job I get after Xmas and I might end up having to take 4 weeks off sick totally unpaid. Just wondering what others would do in my position. Also is there a chance that once the business know I’m planning on taking my last 3 weeks off sick they may decide to end my contract sooner – there’s nothing about the end date in writing and I’m on a week’s notice.