Sick leave while on probation

[LizzieButton]

Happy Monday and I hope you are well x

I started a job in April. The structure of the company is owner, manager (me) and twelve staff. Two and a half weeks ago I had an accident on the way to work where I required stitches in my face and broke my elbow. I am still in a sling and am still on strong painkillers (doctor said it's tissue damage and will pass soon). Last Friday I felt under pressure to show I'm a good new employee so I told the owner I would return tomorrow as she is going on holidays (this is her first time taking a holiday in three years). Today has come around and I am still in considerable pain and haven't been sleeping great.

Would you advise I go in and stick it out as I'm on probation or take the sick leave? I don't get paid sick leave but I have savings so I don't mind this. My doctor told me he would write me a cert for six weeks if I wished but I feel under pressure as I know it's very easy to find an excuse to let someone new go but I'm in a lot of pain. I also will have to get taxis there and back as I still cannot cycle.

Any advice greatly appreciated. As you can guess I'm a bit stressed!

If you said you will return, go in for work for that day and see how you feel and how it goes, however the doctor can fill out a medical request for you to be off work.

If your going to be off for six weeks and need financial help look at statutory sick pay (UK):
www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/eligibility

I recently broke my elbow and I’d be surprised if you needed anywhere near 6 weeks off work. A week or so maybe til the pain settles. The getting to work is a different issue!
Personally I think I’d go in to show willing and take it from there. At least then the other staff have seen you and know that you’re doing your best to be back ASAP.
Where I work I’d be sent home probably and told not to come back til I was better!! Can you do any of your work from home??

@Smartiepants79

I recently broke my elbow and I’d be surprised if you needed anywhere near 6 weeks off work. A week or so maybe til the pain settles. The getting to work is a different issue! Personally I think I’d go in to show willing and take it from there. At least then the other staff have seen you and know that you’re doing your best to be back ASAP. Where I work I’d be sent home probably and told not to come back til I was better!! Can you do any of your work from home??

Hi, thanks Smartiepants 79. Unfortunately I can't work from home as it's a montessori so I need to be there full time and it's quite a physical job. Doctor said 3 to 6 weeks so as it hasn't been 3 weeks yet I'm assuming the pain is still normal and within a week I'll be much better. Just hoping taking the three weeks off isn't viewed badly

I also think you should go in if you said you would. It’s one thing to be off, but a whole other thing to lead your boss to believe she’s getting her vacation and you’ll work and them letting her down at th last minute, that’s shitty. Personally id let you go for that.

@Bluntness100

I also think you should go in if you said you would. It’s one thing to be off, but a whole other thing to lead your boss to believe she’s getting her vacation and you’ll work and them letting her down at th last minute, that’s shitty. Personally id let you go for that.

The owner has still gone on her holiday

So who is running it then?

@Bluntness100

So who is running it then?

There are 12 other staff

To be honest with the injuries you described I would just take painkillers and go to work. When I broke my arm. Kneecap and bashed my head (I blacked out) I was working 2 weeks later, dd was only 2 months old too so no sleep (only 6 weeks sick leave for maternity in the USA!)

There are 12 other staff

So?

If you’ve already said you’ll go in then you really need to. Its unfortunate for you but if you’re Shillly shallying around then it’s irritating to an employer. I wouldn’t risk it while on probation.