Sick Days

[swalker007]

A friend of mine is very stressed causing her to be sick frequently - she has had 34 days off sick (10 of which the docotr signed her off for) in the last year - she works full time for a company that works by the book - could she get in trouble for having so much time off sick??? What could they do to her?

[CheekyChops]

The quick answer is yes she can get in trouble for having so much time off and they could sack her eventually.

There are procedures and processes that must be followed first, like warnings, disciplinary hearings etc but she can be sacked.

[another-view]

This amount of sick equates to over a month per year. This is ridiculous from something such as "stress" and she will no doubt face disciplinary action when she returns.

I would advise that she looks for a less stressful job.

[factor-fiction]

I doubt any employer would want to employ someone who is off so often. I'd be surprised if the company hadn't already started taking action on the grounds of incapability. The only caveat is that if the stress is work induced and the employer has been negligent in not addressing the stress-causing issues, then the employee could take action against the employer.

[cassa333]

Sorry I can't help with the question but wanted to add my 2p worth.

It never ceases to amaze me how stress is so often used as an excuse for sickness. It is understandable when the stress is caused by something like bullying or an outside factor but if the job is stressfull then get another job. If there is so much work that one person can't reasonably do the job tell them that then only do what one person can do. They will always find other people willing to give it a try. Hopefully in the fullness of time they will realise that there expectations are unrealistic.

I'm sorry if this seems harsh but I have been there and done that so know first hand that it is better to get out rather than try to change them. From there point of view you just aren't up to the job.