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Original poster

Sick note for just one day sick - is this allowed to be required?

15 replies

PussinJimmyChoos · 14/01/2008 19:22

I have had quite a lot of sick time due to all the colds from DS which have knocked me sideways. My record has improved in the last couple of months as I'm getting used to all the bugs so it doesn't wipe me out as much.

However, was told today that if I was sick again, even if only 1 or 2 days, that the senior manager now wants a doctors sick note. If the doctor won't provide one, then I have to pay for one privately.

Is this allowed?

OP posts:
flowerybeanbag · 14/01/2008 19:25

I assume you get more than statutory sick pay? If so, then yes it's allowed, if your company is paying you when you are off sick and you are off sick quite a lot, it's reasonable for them to want to tighten up a bit more. Have you got a policy about sick pay, or is there something in your handbook about it?

Having said that, as an employer if I was making a doctor's note a condition of receiving sick pay I would offer to pay the cost of it...

becaroo · 14/01/2008 19:28

Legally, I am not sure that is right.

You self cert for the first 7 days of any bout of illness and then a docs cert for any time after.

Seems a bit odd. Does your company offer parental/carers leave to enable you to care for your sick child???

hifi · 14/01/2008 19:31

this is usually asked for if over the average or excessive amount of sickness time taken off. as long as you are re embursed its ok. sounds like they are p*** off with you though.

flowerybeanbag · 14/01/2008 19:32

becaroo an employer can perfectly legally request a doctor's note if they are paying occupational sick pay. Obviously for SSP the conditions you mention apply.

Original poster
PussinJimmyChoos · 14/01/2008 19:36

Yes they are okayish about us looking after a sick child. Thing is, its been me that's been knocked sideways by all the bugs not DS so much. I appreciate where they are coming from but just wanted to know if it was legal iyswim? Also, they won't pay for the sick note apparently!

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becaroo · 14/01/2008 19:42

I can sympathise...I always get what my ds gets!

I had no idea that they could request that if they paid OSP....(have never had it)

How much is a docs cert???

Original poster
PussinJimmyChoos · 14/01/2008 19:45

About £10 according to a mate of mine, not to mention the hassle of trekking out unwell to the Drs which, lets face it, if you've got the squits or something, you shouldn't be out in public!

I'm just as not sure if its allowed. If it is, then I will say no more but something is telling me its not quite right....may look at the sick policy tomorrow and see if any mention of it in there. They have told me stuff before that hasn't been correct so that's why I'm doubtful and the senior manager is very much into power trips!!

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flowerybeanbag · 14/01/2008 19:47

Why do you not think it's 'allowed'? If they are paying you occupational sick pay they can put conditions on it, including insisting on a doctor's note.

It's a bit mean if they are putting restrictions on you not to pay for the note, I agree, and do check your policy to see what it says.

hifi · 14/01/2008 19:49

if you expect to be paid i would do as they ask, if you desperatley needed medication you would have to go anyway.

Original poster
PussinJimmyChoos · 14/01/2008 19:56

Yes I agree and if I do get any more bugs (fingers x'd I bloody don't!) then I will do what they ask, but my department have a record of just saying something must be done when its not actually been company policy so thats why I was querying it

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hotbot · 14/01/2008 20:06

if tis not company policy i would ask why tyuo are the exception. Policy is made to avoid unfairness and inequity bewteen staff

flowerybeanbag · 14/01/2008 20:13

It may be that the policy doesn't actually say anything about what actions they take in the event of lots of sickness.

But hotbot is right about exceptions. Whether it says anything or not, if you are aware of others who have had their sickness more closely monitored and have been requested to get doctors notes but been reimbursed for them, then obviously the same should apply to you.

HappyMummyOfOne · 15/01/2008 07:09

Our firm does this, if you have more than x amount of separate absences you only get paid for subsequent absences if you provide a sick note regardless of the period of time off.

It was added a while ago to stop people taking lots of odd days off. Dont think they would pay for the note though.

I have been ill 4 times since DS started reception in September, luckily I only work 3 days and drag myself in when sick. Wouldnt with a stomach bug but colds etc we do - thats probably doesnt help as there is always somebody with a cold in our office.

branflake81 · 15/01/2008 12:18

where I work you need to fill in a form for every time you're off sick (even if just one day) explaining why etc and if it's more than 5 days you need a doctor's note. If you have more than 10 days off in a year you have a formal interview.

Original poster
PussinJimmyChoos · 15/01/2008 22:16

Checked policy today and the managers are within their rights to request it - fair enough, I have had high levels, am not disputing that. Mind you, am still at the amount of people in work that really should be at home just to keep their sick record good and impress the manager. I can remember one person having a certificate for not having any sick days in one year....I was like wtf? Its luck more than anything that you don't get that sick!!

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