GPs advice or Employers recommendation in returning to work?

[mummytippy]

I've been suffering from panic attacks and anxiety for the last six months so have been on sick leave.
I am only eligible for SSP and so the difference on my finances is also having a detrimental affect on my anxiety.
After a further appointment with my GP, they advised I ask my employer about Occupational Health in the workplace and options to aide my return.
I asked them and they said to speak to my GP again and advise them of their professional viewpoint as they don't have any Occupational Health scheme in place. They didn't put forward any options.
My GP issued me with a further sicknote advising I be allowed to work from home (amended duties) as better able to cope when experiencing a panic/anxiety attack.
I submitted this to them and they replied saying a phased return back in to the workplace would be better in their opinion. They had nothing to say on my GP's recommendation.
I'm puzzled as to why they asked me to provide the advice of my GP and then offer something which isn't in line with my GP's recommendation.
I've asked if they can implement my GP's recommendation as I want to follow his advice for my health and wellbeing's sake but haven't had a reply.
Has anyone else had a similar experience with regards to arranging their return to work and know if the employer has to follow the GP's advice?
I'm very confused as they didn't suggested anything when I asked about my options. Any advice would be most welcome. Thank you in advance.

Hi @Ph0neBear

There are a total of 3 office admin staff in total and I know that
one of them asked to also work from home after the first lockdown and they weren't happy with the Covid secure measures. When I asked at what provision had been put in place earlier in the year I was told the Health and Safety Executive had approved it, but still no detail given to me to set my mind at rest.

I know that it is possible for me (and my colleague) to wfh if work issue encrypted laptops to us. I'd be happy to use my own which I had already put to them.

Yes, my GP told me that they could hire an independent OH adviser, but obviously they don't want to.

I've also since found out they haven't paid contributions into the workplace pension for me for the last 4 years.

I just feel like I have no value.

When you say they haven’t paid into your pension what do you mean? This could be a whole level more serious and they could be breaking the law

@TheDinosaurTrain

Thanks for your comment... re: my pension... Is this something you know about?

I was auto enrolled in 2017 but have now found out I've been marked as a leaver by my employer with the pension provider. They couldn't confirm when.

I received nothing in writing from my employer when the scheme came in... only a welcome/introduction letter from their provider, so I set up a portal online.

Work told me I wasn't eligible to join as I my contracted hours meant I didn't meet the minimum of £10k per year... but I have always worked overtime which takes me over this. The Pension Provider confirmed that they take overtime into consideration (hence me being auto-enrolled) and so I should have had contributions paid on amounts between £6240 - my earnings total ... x 4 years.

The pension provider has advised I ask my employer to contact them. but I've not done this as yet as been trying to sort out wfh etc

I’m a pension scheme trustee so I know a bit yes. Failing to pay pension contributions is a criminal offence - see here www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/business-advisers/automatic-enrolment-guide-for-business-advisers/about-automatic-enrolment/what-happens-if-my-client-doesn't-comply-or-is-late-complying

I’d suggest you contact the pensions regulator, they have a specific form for reporting employers for this here www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/contact-us/scheme-members-who-to-contact/help-with-concerns-about-your-workplace-pension#c48ef90e935a47f6a7eddf3a2df00a6f

Thank you @TheDinosaurTrain

I feel like I'm spinning multiple plates right now.

Do you know if they will have to back date my contributions? and if they do, am I expected to be able to pay mine too? Or should they pay mine too as I might struggle to find 4 years worth

Yes they’d be expected to backdate all the payments, but you would be expected to contribute yours

Why would your income plummet of furloughed? It would be 80% of your salary.

@AlwaysCheddar

I'm in receipt of SSP not furlough pay at 80%

Thanks @TheDinosaurTrain

I've followed the links you sent me and it does say that they can be asked to pay them... I'm guessing that's discretionary.
I wouldn't have had a problem finding them weekly and if currently working but as I'm currently only in receipt of SSP that's a problem.

@TheDinosaurTrain

My contributions too I meant.