Hi Glenn
I encounter lots of similar situations here and whilst I agree that you
would support the individual if you really feel that they are not fit to
return to work you should report that to HR and the manager as
ultimately it is their decision to decide if they will accept the person
back in the workplace. My employer has a facility to suspend an
employee for medical reasons, on full pay. This is usually used where
the employee tries to return to work and the manager wants a further OH
assessment before they come back. The danger is that the employee will
return too early, become ill again and have another episode of sickness
absence. They will then probably start on half pay immediately if it is
in the same financial year. Have you explored the possibility of a
phased return to work to allow them to build up their stamina until they
are able to resume their substantive post?
Regards,
Jeremy
Jeremy R F Smith
RGN BSc Hons (OHN) SCPHN
Occupational Health Manager - KCC
01622 605518 (VPN 7000) EXT 5518
Occupational Health Service Commercial Services Building
Gibson Drive, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4QG
Personnel & Development
Making KCC a Great Place to Work
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Glenn Raybone
Sent: 30 January 2007 20:51
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [OCC-HEALTH] GP's and Return to work
Hello
Can I ask for opinions and thoughts on a recent case please?
A member of staff off sick has been given a sick note by their GP. My
assessment was that they are indeed 'unfit' to be at work at present.
However, due to going into half-pay they have said they are going to
return. I have concerns about this and whilst I will support them I do
feel they are returning due to financial reasons as opposed to health.
The manager has asked that their GP 'signs them back to work' and I have
tried to explain that ultimately it is for the individual to decide if
and when they return to work. The sick note is due to expire and so they
plan to return at that point. Good practice and reflection lead me to
suggest that in this particular case we do encourage the individual to
see their GP prior to returning but I guess ultimately we can only
support the individual whatever their decision.
I do feel torn between the individual, the manager and of course HR. Any
thoughts and/or comments gratefully received.
regards
Glenn
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FORTHCOMING CONFERENCES AND EVENTS:
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For Occupational Health jobs, go to http://OHJobs.drmaze.net
Find out about Occupational Health Nursing Education in UK at
http://home.wlv.ac.uk/~in6232/aohne/
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