Off sick after accident

[loobie]

Hello,

My mum had a bad car accident back in July and she is still off work as she is still in a lot of pain and has a lot of breathlessness (she got stuck on my steep stairs the other day!!). She works as a carer to the elderly and so obviously her duties include lifting them, helping them with their day to day duties etc. As she can just about carry shopping from Tesco's to the car this is why she is yet to go back.

Today she got signed off for another 2 weeks and when she spoke to her boss she threatened her with the sack if she doesn't give a return to work date. My mum has suggested maybe she go work in the office but I don't know if they will allow this.

Can they actually sack my mum for being off after a serious accident? Just need some advice on where she stands.

Thanks in advance.

[Ethel]

Yes, on grounds of capability, but the correct procedures must be followed.

It is unrealistic to expect an employer to keep a person in employment if they are no longer capable of doing the job.

Is she in a union?

[pink-kittens]

Well they can't sack her but they can 'let her go' because she is not fulfilling her side of her contract
This thread is interesting http://www.netmums.com/coffeehouse/showthread. php?t=144657
About a 3rd of the way down Tesco sick policy is mentioned. Date this year so pretty relevant

[loobie]

Thanks very much for that pink-kittens.

Ethel, also thanks and she is not in a union.