Work - Illness - fit to go back to work.

Former Member

Ok, bit of a problem here.

I've currently got a viral infection, (doctor said possibly rotovirus or along those lines and he said it lasts 7-10 days) anyway I've signed myself of work for 7days regarding this, one week which I can do by law. my work are now requesting (seems like they do not believe me) either A - a fit for work note from the doctor that i'll be fit to go back to work on sunday ot B - a note saying why I cannot work and for how long.

as I've signed myself of work without a doctors note can they legally request a note saying I am fit to work or can I just say "no I am fit to work"

Their excuse is due to the risk of it spreading but to me that sounds baloney.

Former Member

i think u can only self-certify for 5 days before u have to provide a doctors note.

Former Member

nicebutdim23 wrote: »

i think u can only self-certify for 5 days before u have to provide a doctors note.

direct.gov.uk wrote:

Telling your employer about your illness

If you have been off work sick for seven days or less your employer can ask you to confirm that you’ve been ill. You can do this by filling in a form yourself when you return to work. This is called self-certification.

which is usually 5days of work 2days off, my days off are today and tomorrow so i've been off 3days ill before days off and 2 days off and 2more days (go back to work on sunday) is one week

I've got a doctors appt tomorrow which i will hopefully get a note saying i'll be fit to work on sunday if not a "fit for work note" (new sicknote) saying when I can return to work!

Former Member

Don't you work in a hotel ? I would of thought you'd have to stay off work for 3-4 days after the day you last had symptoms, like nurses do.

Former Member

RubberSkin wrote: »

Don't you work in a hotel ? I would of thought you'd have to stay off work for 3-4 days after the day you last had symptoms, like nurses do.

This is what I thought too.

Former Member

Maybe so, but I doubt it makes any difference to how long you can self-certify for in any event.

Former Member

self certification isn't the problem. the problem is can they stop me going back to work without a note saying i am fit to work!

Former Member

The quack should be able to provide that for you.

Former Member

Hey,

Being sick is stressful enough without worrying about what your employer will say or think of you. However, we all come across this issue at some point and need to find ways to get through it.

I wanted to direct you to a few sites where you can get further information.

The Direct Gov website has information about Sickness absence .

They also have a page about the 'fit note' that you are talking about in particular.

There is also a page on the Citizens Advice Bureau website about Basic rights at work. You will see links to pages on sickness.

Also, if the problem with your employer does worsen you can seek legal advice from a local Citizens Advice Bureau or law centre.

Hope this helps.

Former Member

Hellfire wrote: »

self certification isn't the problem. the problem is can they stop me going back to work without a note saying i am fit to work!

Yes. If they think you're going to be contagious they won't want you back and can tell you not to come in.