Staying In Touch With My Employer

[Jamesbaker069]

I am currently not working, I have been signed off by my doctor with mental health issues. My employer is insisting that I stay in touch on a fortnightly basis via phone to tell them how 'I'm getting on'. The main factor of me being signed off work is due to my employer. Do they have the right to tell me to do this?

[wolf63]

Depends on your contract of employment.

I went off sick on 31/10/2003 and was not released from my employment until the following September.

I had to meet my boss every couple of weeks. We met at a cafe and I was able to take a friend with me.

I was very reluctant to meet her but I put up with it. I was a civil servant and there are rules governing such things, your employer should give you some information.

Luckily I never went back to work.

[bobbinwales]

Are they still paying you? Seems a small price to pay, and they will argue there doing it in your interests too...duty of care

[tiggerblue10]

If it's due to your employer, how are you going to return to work?

[maggiebee]

When I worked for the Govt there was a "code" you had to follow regarding sick absence. This involved keeping in touch or meeting up with your line manager fortnightly. We met in a pub, not too onerous.

[ToraToraTora]

Can you ask to meet someone other than the individual responsible for your issues?

[Patsy33]

It must be so tormenting for you.
As TTT, said, try and ask for someone else. Can you talk to someone higher up?

[tiggerblue10]

Are they your actual employer or just manager?

[ToraToraTora]

Reading between the lines it sounds to me like the OP has been the victim of a nasty manager type and that person wants to dig at him some more. James I'd just say something to the effect: "You are the reason I am off, If I see you it will prolong my absence, I will agree to meet someone other than you" - In reality they can't fire you if you are signed off sick but they are within their rights to have regular updates. Keep everything in writing via email or whatever.

[tiggerblue10]

I was in a similar situation many years and put in a grievance against my former manager. My senior manager wouldn't listen to me and I had to approach another senior manager.

[tiggerblue10]

Might be useful if you could let us know how your management chain works, James. And if you belong to union.