Light duties or Statutory Sick Pay ??

[welshblue67]

Ive been off sick since Dec 2nd when i chipped a bone and torn my ligaments in my ankle. (did not happen in work).
I had a few days in plaster and was in a lot of pain.I have seen two doctors in the local hospital and my local GP.I have had three sick notes to cover the period ive had off,my current note ends on the 13th Jan and i am still waiting for an appointment with a physiotherapy department at the local hospital.

I recieved a phone call off ATOS or EHS a few days ago at the end of the conversation she stated that i was fit to go back to work on light duties,I replied saying that i had an appointment with my GP later in the afternoon and i'll see what he recomends.Later that day the GP gave me a note for a further two weeks (till jan13 jan).

I Just got back from my office has i had to hand my note in,was called to the managers office. He started to read the report from ATOS/EHS and wanted me to start back to work on light duties stating that i can walk,stand and drive the car...so i should be back in work ! He also threatened to put me on Statutory Sick Pay if i dont come back on light duties.

I have no intention of starting back untill ive at least recieved physiotherapy on my injured ankle.

I will be phoning my local union rep on monday morning but in the meantime could someone on here please advice me what to do next .

[eian687]

i would stick to DR note as he has seen you ATOS done over phone
i was off for 2 weeks with a bad back............even collaspsed due to pain, ATOS recommended i go back after sick note ended on half a delivery, got to work on the tuesday as monday was my day off only to be told by the DOM i had to do a full delivery , i mentioned ATOS and he said we are short staffed so he needed me to do a full delivery and ATOS was just a recommendation and as i had only been off 2 weeks he did not think i needed to do a rehabilitation duty, saw union rep and he said do the duty and if my back went again he would use that in any stage warnings to come ( yeah f**k my back)...............if anything else goes in my back the union will hear from my solicitor as well.
ne way follow your docs advise thats my opinon...........i will in future

[Sick Postie]

As you have already been for longer than 2 weeks you will more than likely get a stage warning for it. If you go back to work, even on light duties and for any reason need to go off sick again because of your ankle you will be in line for the next warning. This happened to a guy in my office. Forget what ATOS have said, you are under the care of your GP listen to him. Also even on light duties I'm sure standing will be painful for you, have you tried to stand on it much or are you still resting it at home?

[steven100]

I'd like to know what the union at the top are doing about this???? This is nothing more than bullying, mate go by your doctors note.

[welshblue67]

Thanks for the replys.

Im not on a warning stage at the moment, but im sure i will be put on stage one when i go back. I have twisted the same ankle 5 or 6 times in the last 6-7 years so is defenetly a problem there. if i go back and twist it again that will only trigger of a satge two warning.,,,,,,,,,Yet management say WE are responisibly for out own health and safety !!!

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Not sure if it helps but found the following at http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2559.aspx?C ... goryID=190" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Return to work certificates

Some employers’ liability insurance may not cover employees who return to work when they’re signed off sick. Employers must have liability insurance to cover claims from employees who become ill as a result of work or injure themselves at work.

[General Mannerheim]

I`m sure your GP would be amused to think that some drone from Atossers call centre,a Nurse with occupational health training who reads a script off a computer programme set questions is better able to diagnose when you are fit to return to work.

Don`t you know that Atos are medical gods to Royal Mail!

[Terminator]

Listen to your GP mate they're the real experts and will advise you on what's good for you and that's the most important thing.
Ok to drive a car? Take it from me I wouldn't go near a car 4 weeks after sustaining ligament damage.

[Lincox]

Your doctor has signed you off because you are incapable of performing any duties that you are trained for. In his opinion you need to rest your ankle for a further two weeks. Royal Mail have no right to dispute the opinion of your GP and by asking you to work against the advice of your GP, they are not only putting your health and safety at risk, but also the other members of staff that you will be working around. This is a dereliction of duty on their part, amounts to harrassment, and you should take no part in it. Put in a grievance.

[GHOSTman]

I've been off recently recovering from an operation. Despite me sending in my medical certificate my line manager still expected me to phone atos and come back on light duties. I decided I trusted my own doctors opinion more than Royal Mail's. I only rung atos when my own doctor assured me I was ready for light duies. Stand your ground.

[POSTMAN]

He also threatened to put me on Statutory Sick Pay

Cock!

[honeyal3]

hiya i have been told that there isnt enough light duties for me to stay in work as i have a damaged wrist and will take about 5 weeks to fix. and they have said to go off sick for it! i have been there since the 22 feb and they say that i am not entitled to full pay and have to be on statutory sick pay can they do this?????????

[FLUFFY]

Yes they are right..same thing happened to me...Sorry to be the bearer of bad news

Funny how you`re not being pressured back to work thou !!! Oh yeah of course silly me you`re not being paid are you...

[FLUFFY]

Its not going to look very good on your record either...I may be wrong but they could use this against you..trial period etc etc.. seek advice as im not sure of the stages regarding sick

[demon]

i we have a accedent on duty and this has left you with long term damage do royal mail have a insurence for you any help with this one will be great