Home visits whilst sick: Notice required?

[Thunderthighs]

Off crocked again...dogs.
GP gave 2 weeks off, told manager. In passing he mentioned there "may" be someone calling, but they'd ring beforehand.

So, suddenly, phone going and front door being knocked. Two Reg MANAGERS outside, on a mobile!!!
Meeting lasted 30 mins and I had no Union rep here obviously.

Also, one noted my GP had said, "Amended Duties", so he said I could be back asap, he meant this week.
Think he overlooked the date as this was for Next Week...First week is Self Certified, ie by ME!

[andy2007]

They're supposed to phone in advance, to give you time to get a Rep if you feel it's neccessary (personally, I think it's ESSENTIAL that you have one there!). Phoning from a Mobile, from outside your Home is simply taking the p**s!

Have you considered a formal complaint about it?
That's what I'd do. Although I'm often accused of being too heavy handed about this type of thing.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Sorry - But I think I have bad News for you

The following quotes are from the Direct Gov Website dealing with the NEW FIT NOTES: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_184645" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and its says

Understanding your fit note

When your doctor provides you with a fit note they will advise you on one of two options. Either you will be 'not fit for work' or you 'may be fit for work'.

'May be fit for work'

Your doctor will choose this option when they believe that you may be able to return to work while you recover with some help from your employer.

Your doctor may include some comments which will help your employer understand how you are affected by your condition. If appropriate, they can also suggest one or more common ways to help you return to work.

This could include:
a phased return to work - where you may benefit from a gradual increase in your work duties or working hours, for example after an operation or after injury

altered hours - allowing you the flexibility to start or leave later, for example if you struggle travelling in the 'rush hour'

amended duties - to take into account your condition, for example removing heavy lifting if you have had a back injury
changes to your workplace - to take into account your condition, for example allowing you to work on the ground floor if you have problems going up and down stairs


There are other sections as well so might be worth reading,especially the Discussing your fit note with your employer and, Disagreements with your employer about returning to work, ones.

[Lounge Lizard]

Surely they should phone in advance to give you a chance to get dressed.

[andy2007]

That's a good point too. Although I don't think they should be allowed to get away with giving people insufficient notice, to get a Union Rep there for the "visit".

[Thunderthighs]

True Blue Terrier:
Thanks for that, it makes sense but, I got the note here:

QUOTE: "I advise that: you are not fit for work", this is TICKED...
"you may be fit for work taking accounT of the following advice", this is ALSO TICKED!

"If available, and with your employer's agreement, you may benefit from: amended duites," TICKED.

Also, there is written, "I will need to assess your fitness for work again at the end on the period". ( End of period is 2nd July.) UNQUOTE.

The way I interpret this, and the private conversation we had, the GP said: I am unable to work, and wants to see me before I return, AND THEN...Amended duties should be undertaken as and when I return.

So, I'm as confused as the next guy/gal...

[youwot!!!!!]

They're supposed to phone in advance, to give you time to get a Rep if you feel it's neccessary (personally, I think it's ESSENTIAL that you have one there!). Phoning from a Mobile, from outside your Home is simply taking the p**s!

Have you considered a formal complaint about it?
That's what I'd do. Although I'm often accused of being too heavy handed about this type of thing.

in my experience you can't be too heavy handed when dealing with management.MOST are there to screw you over.dont trust them.

[RelocatedRick]

I was under the impression that the procedure had been amended to prevent managers making home visits?

Naturally this was for the managers benefit as apparently there are cases of managers being threatened. I was told this by an area rep.

[andy2007]

That's the first I've heard of it Rick. Although it wouldn't be the first time that something important changed, and no-one bothered to tell us.

Thunderthighs, I think your Doctor's made a mistake with the Fit Note. I had one which said that I was unfit for work, just after they were introduced (I was already on sick leave at the time). Only the box for unfit for work was ticked. Then the next one (when I was able to return on rehab), had the box for ammended duties ticked. And he used the box to specifically set out what I was and wasn't capable of.

[Thunderthighs]

Andy: Agree, how can the 2 boxes be Ticked???? Human error?
( As they say, surgeons don't make mistakes..they bury them. lol!)

All I've got to go on is the supplied note. So, 1st week Self Cert, 2nd says "Unfit for Work" and to see the Doc BEFORE I return.
I will push the Amended Duties apect on my return.

I'm sticking to the letter-of-the-Law, sorry, sicknote.

[andy2007]

You might be better contacting your Doctor, so he/she can clear up the confusion. Because either you're fit for returning to work on rehab, or you're too ill to work. If there's ambiguity (which there is in this case), RM will try to exploit it. You might be able to get a replacement Fit Note, which is correctly filled in. It's got to be worth a try!

[Thunderthighs]

OK, Sound like a good idea. But, this week is Self Cert, so have to do it next week, from 28th.

Also, as Mang left, said office would ring and probably ATOS as well.
Nothing from either so far.

Taking the Painkillers, Anti-inflams and Stomach tablets.
Got more medication in me than M and M !!!