Signed off??

[Pistonhead78]

Hi, i have been signed off for 3 weeks, the hospital hace given my a little certificate saying "you should refrain from work for 3 weeks" i know il be on SSP, but IF i decided i wanted to go in a help out as much as poss would that be possible or would i not be insured at work...

and im also worried my manager if not liking the time im having off, i assume they cant fire me as iv got a certificate from the hospital?

thanks :)

[pud]

Generally an employer will not let you work whilst you are signed off, as you said this could impact on their employers liability insurance.

An employer cannot sack you simply for being off sick. However, if the period were to continue for a long period, the your employment contract could become "frustrated". They could then terminate your employment contract. However, they should not do this without consulting you and an independant medical advisor. You contract/terms of conditions should detail the procedure to be followed.

[Pistonhead78]

well i was signed off for 4 weeks with a broken fingure, and iv gone back today and hes signed me off for another 3week as it has not healed yet, do you think im at risk?? even though he said i shouldnt work i should rest it

bear in mind im a mechanic and have my left hand in plaster

[factor-fiction]

I don't fully agree with pud. If you have been there less than a year the employer can get rid of you for almost any reason including sickness.

Even if you have been there longer the employer can take action on capability grounds although he needs to follow a procedure. Have you had previous absences and had any meetings or warnings relating to previous absences.

I may be wrong but I always thought a sick note was advisory and not an instruction not to work.

[Pistonhead78]

the certificate i have has 2 boxes one saying you should, the other saying you need to refrain from work, and hes ticked need to lol

iv never had any warnings, any other long absances (maybe a day once or twice for a cold ect) but nothing like this, iv spoke to my BIG boss and shes ok with it although shes findig out if bieng signed of voids insurance. im jsut worried about my other boss as hes not liking the time off!!

thank you both for taking the time to reply by the way guys :)