Expiry of Dr Certificate

[Clare_L]

I have been off work since the 12th March firstly with flu, swollen glands etc and terrible headaches (apparently caused by a cyst which is going to be removed next month) Spoke to my manager at work (work in a call centre, so they are not happy about my absense) and advised her that my Dr had signed me off until Tuesday 25th, so would be back that day. Just checked my certificate and ive been signed off until the 27th. Admittedly I should have checked sooner, but he asked when I was due back to work after the holiday weekend so told him Tuesday. Now, I feel fine now, but is it ok to go back to work before it expires?? This may sound like a stupid question, but in all honesty I hate my job and would welcome an extra couple of days off lol, who wouldnt?

[kennythecelt]

Hi Clare

I am not an expert in this and my reply is based on being a manager and employee.

You should phone into work and explain the exact dates the doctor has signed you off and apologise to your employer for getting the date wrong. Say that the doctor wants to make sure you are fit to return.

From an employers persective, you can't go back to work as the doc as signed you off as unfit. There are Health and Safety, welfare and national insurance considerations, duty of care, etc. If something happened to you whilst you were at work, whilst "signed off", the employer would be responsible. As an employer, I would not dare take the risk.

Hope this helps and that someone confirms the exact position.

Best wishes for a speedy and FULL recovery
regards, Kenny

[Clare_L]

Hi Kenny

Many thanks for your prompt reply, very much appreciated. Will call my manager first thing in the morning. Cant say im looking forward to it as they will not be happy, but its not like i take a lot of time off normally. I just hate the way employers make you feel guilty for being unwell.

Cheers
Clare

[kennythecelt]

No probs Clare,

Please phone asap though, so they get maximum notice and can arrange cover if needed. Remember that you have been signed off work sick by a doctor, who is the qualified expert in all this.

Good luck

[gizmo111]

I went back to work whilst still signed off, and was sent home, for all the reasons Kenny mentions above.

[Ell-enn]

Kenny is absolutely right - you cannot go back to work while you are still deemed unfit by your doctor. Whether or not your employer is happy is their problem, not yours, and they cannot penalise you in any way for being off sick. If it is an inconvenience to them, then they have to deal with it and make arrangements for cover.

I hope you feel better soon

Kind Regards

Ell-enn

[The GodMother]

you will also need to make an appointment with your dr to be cleared fit to work. Just so your empolyer nows you are fit for work.

My mum had to have this appointment b4 she went back to work as her empolyer would not allow it if not. She works for a big company tho.

[gizmo111]

Originally Posted by The GodMother

you will also need to make an appointment with your dr to be cleared fit to work. Just so your empolyer nows you are fit for work.

My mum had to have this appointment b4 she went back to work as her empolyer would not allow it if not. She works for a big company tho.

I believe that once your certificate expires, you are deemed by default to be 'fit to return to work'. Although following a long illness you may be referred to Occupational Health, so that a suitable return to work plan can be implemented, that will support any lingering effects that you may have.

[The GodMother]

mum had the same symptoms as Clare and savers, her employer, said she had to get clearance from her Dr before she came back to work.

She was cleared and went back.

It may depend on the company tho.

[Sarah_Pussycat]

Hi, I think you only have to get the doctor to sign you fit for work if you're returning before your sick note runs out.

I returned to work last year when I still had a week left on my sick note (I felt much better and was sick of daytime TV!) - and like others was immediately sent home as the insurance didn't cover me to be in the building whilst I was signed off!
They said I could either return when my sick note had expired, or earlier if I got my doctor to sign me fit for work.

I had to put up with another 2 days of Dale Winton before I could get a doctor's appointment!

[Clare_L]

Hi, thanks for all the replies. Called in work this morning and explained I got the dates wrong and they didnt seem too concerned. So back to work Friday!

[The GodMother]

gdgd clare the result u should have got.