Can occupational health referral lead to dismissal after genuine sickness absence?

[Seriphiacandytotz]

Please could someone advise, had quite a bit of sickness time off with different health issues all genuine and had GP notes etc etc. Now HR where I work have asked a independent occupational health to conduct a call with me. Can they fire me? Never had this before im 49 and work full time.

How much time off in what period?

Are any of the ailments caused by or related to your job.

If you are simply not fit enough for the job, yes they can end your contract, but it would have to be pretty severe.

They need to go through processes first and make reasonable adjustments if required.

My job is quite physical, I have probably had about 5 weeks off in 2.5yrs with various illnesses

They're very pleased with my work just unfortunately I have a few health issues

I’m sure they just want to put in any necessary support for you. Five weeks in two and a half years is not much. I wouldn’t worry.

It’s mostly a tick box thing so they can say they assessed if there is anything they can do to help.

I got in touch with hr who shocked me, it’s policy they only ever write a tombstone reference and leave sickness completely out of it - I was stewing as it was this current employer counted all weekends and at least 2 bank holiday when legitimate occupying a hospital bed last year when I’m not sure I even got those bank holidays back - I may need to get a character reference lined up.

Public to public sector. My second longest employer is about to write a tombstone reference.

2 occasions of sickness and my current manager was trying to drag me into a concern meeting 13 months apart so I never heard anything back after the threat. The most funniest thing is one of my parents keeps on at me as if I’m going to change my mind, not this time. Been through to much a pip, no margin of error allowed, a threat of sickness concern.

Best thing has been handing in my notice for a part time job, finally in my 40’s.

Bit worried this new employer occ therapy is like a lunchtime when I’m probably going to be in my new role and I’m wearing my aids as well as I can.

Keep the faith 💪

I had to speak with an OT when my my previous HR manager called them in after getting chest infection after chest infection in the winter as I have asthma. It didn’t help that my dm passed away months earlier so I was run down. After speaking with the OT she was on my side and basically told my HR manager to back off. Thank god the HR manager left under her own cloud 😂 I’ve been left alone since.

The role of Occ Health is to ensure the business don't get themselves in trouble by risking the health or wellbeing of an employee, basically. I have worked alongside them and they tend to be quite defensive of employees in my experience. I would personally feel safe to be honest with the Occ Health people I have known. Please don't worry.

Just to add, the call is probably standard process and most likely will be to see how you can be supported back to work/avoiding more time off. Not to get rid of you.

I got referred to occ health when i had long covid and was a bit worried. But it was actually a great experience, she had loads of good advice, better than the doctors, and suggested a staged return which worked really well for me. It was a very positive supportive experience.