Threat to withhold pay on day 1 of sickness

[CHUCKYPIG]

The doctor signed me off sick for mental health reasons related to a change in personal circumstances. I hadn't slept a wink and was in no fit state for work. I followed the correct procedure and phoned in many hours before my shift start etc.

My manager (on day 1 of the sickness and knowing that I was signed off by a doctor) threatened to withdraw my pay unless I came in immediately for a face to face interview. I just stated facts, I was not fit to come in, the doctor's advice was to rest away from work and I told him I would phone the union guy to get clarification. The union guy said the manager can't force me to come in or withhold my pay and to put in a grievance against the manager. To me it does feel like bullying when I am at my weakest and totally going against the doctors orders but I am not sure about putting in a grievance yet as that seems like a last resort. At the end of the day I still have to work under him.

Later on the phone my manager said well not today but you need to come in face to face this week or your pay will be withheld and he will be sending me a letter in the post to that effect. He said he was following the attendance procedure. But this doesn't seem right. I have since read the attendance procedure myself, and usually a face to face request is after a couple of weeks during a long term absence. Not day 1 of a shorter absence.

Is my manager within his rights to do this?

To be honest it is adding to the stress and sleepness nights and ironically might make the absence longer as the doctor indicated that they were willing to sign me off for longer if I needed it.

Any advice useful. Thanks.

[Acca Dacca]

The agreement is a face to face within the first 28 days of sickness if I recall correctly

Management usually use that wording as reason to request a face to face ANY day within the first 28 days

[Mick100]

I'm no expert but first seven days of sickness are self certified you need fit note from doctor after seven days, sounds like your really stressed if need be contact your union rep if and when you receive letter

[Gary55]

He's a bullying twat. Had an abscence a couple of years ago. Another similar twat turned up at my house after 1 day of sickness and threatened similar. Union intervened to put a stop to it but had to have a face to face about 10 days later. Get well stay strong mate

[Nickvilla20]

Similar happened to me. I had a mental breakdown and sent a sick note in and then got a call from the then DOM demanding a face to face meeting. I got on the phone to rep straight away and then we did a meeting over the phone. To be fair after that they were quite good until he refused me rehab on my return.

In the end I used it to get a transfer to a closer office. I was off for 10 weeks.

Just take your time and get well soon.

[iHateD2Ds]

Please try not to stress too much ,It’s a bullying tactic to persuade you from taking legitimate sick leave.
As long as you stay in contact your manager has no grounds to stop pay.

When you have received your letter contact your Union Rep they should advise you on the next step.

Put things into perspective, your Mental Health is far more important than Royal Mail.
Hope you heal soon.

[broughts]

Get well soon buddy but get real as well this manager is threatening your livelihood and well being the least I would be doing is a greivance but if u can’t deal with it I understand but it is easier now through hr and sure it can wait until you are well enough to pursue and I might get him off your back in the meantime

[derekm]

Would contact H.R explain the situation to them see if they can help in anyway.

[CHUCKYPIG]

Thanks for the advice everyone I will try not to let the bullying tactics get to me too much. I got some sleep last night so feel a bit calmer today. I phoned various departments in HR and the people I spoke to couldn’t answer any of my questions, in fact I seemed to know more about HR policy than they did

I actually read some of the attendance procedure today. It says
“A long term absence is defined as an absence of more than 14 days. It can also apply when repeated absences are due to a significant underlying health issue”
My absence is only for two weeks so not more than 14 days so I am not sure that the manager has the right to call me in for an absence review meeting. Although I was off sick for 3 weeks last year for mental health reasons so maybe he can lump it in the repeated absence category.

Anyway I will await to see what the letter says and contact my union rep for advice.

I am not sure that a grievance is a good idea at present. I do have to work for this manager after all going forward and I don't want to face months/years of him having a vendetta against me. Has anyone else ever submitted a grievance against their boss?

[crimson king]

Has anyone else ever submitted a grievance against their boss

Yes, a couple of times over the years, as a last resort. In my experience it has led to them backing off, leaving me alone and moving on to softer targets.

[*horcrux*]

I phoned various departments in HR and the people I spoke to couldn’t answer any of my questions

Just remember though HR departments tend to protect the company not the employee.

Take your time and get well

[Rommagic]

If they stopped everyone first day pay of sickness what would be the saving per year £m?.

[CHUCKYPIG]

Thanks Crimson King, yes if as a last resort then I suppose a good thing. As you say they have to pick on other people then.

Good point Horcrux, many in HR are there to protect the company over the employee so gotta be careful with them.

Rommagic no idea and lets hope it doesn't come to that.