Absense Process AKA Harrasment? (A Union POV)

[nom de guerre]

Hi
I've posted the following:

http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... 16#p172225" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and had some good responses.

In brief, I've been off for a week so far with sciatica issues. The doctor felt it important enough, on the grounds that I could do lasting or permemnt damage, to give me a fornight's line without me going through the usual week long Self Certificate.

Since then, I've been conacted by my work on several occassions by phone, recived a letter and had to go for a Sick Absence Management Interview, where he made me a return to work offer that was unsuitable ("I won't have you doing anything in work that you wouldn't be doing at home.").

I've been phoned on Saturday and told to go to work on Monday (tomorrow) for another such meeting. The tone of the DOM's voice and the general natue the way all of this has been handled has stressed me out in a way I don't need.

I still have a week remaining of my current sick line, I'm still in pain and still suffering in the mobility probs (Limping and looking like a hawf-shut-knife).

From a union position, what can I do?

Thanks.

Nom de Guerre

[stokes11eg]

Prior to going into work--speak to your doctor, and see if he will write a letter to Managment in support of you not returning until he says you are fit to do so. I had to do this a couple of years ago-- it does cost (15 quid in my case) but
should get them to back off, you would be surprised at how sympathetic docs can be, especially when they feel some
non=-medical person knows better than them. if he stresses you could sustain further damage by too early a return, it should do the trick.Good luck.

[norbert]

Prior to going into work--speak to your doctor, and see if he will write a letter to Managment in support of you not returning until he says you are fit to do so. I had to do this a couple of years ago-- it does cost (15 quid in my case) but
should get them to back off, you would be surprised at how sympathetic docs can be, especially when they feel some
non=-medical person knows better than them. if he stresses you could sustain further damage by too early a return, it should do the trick.Good luck.

they're non too keen on ATOS never mind "medical marvel" DIM DUM's , firstly your GP is likely to be a BMA member , ATOS tends to be jobbing GP's or ex army doctors - non union that are " incentivized " by RM and they are stamped on from a great height if they upset the client .

Your GP is basically a self employed businessman but they don't take too kindly to ATOS being the thin end of the wedge with New Liebour privatization through the back door , taking his or her NHS work away , the GP might do foreigners for the private sector but on his or her terms .

I agree that DIM DUM is pushing it , and a letter is the only language he understands . Also if you're under a consultant , RM / ATOS sometimes back off as they are second only to God in a hospital .

[stokes11eg]

I truly remember the days when Bosses used to give you a sub on your wages, if you were off, and tell you not to worry and not come back to soon!How things have changed.

[dvbuk55]

I truly remember the days when Bosses used to give you a sub on your wages, if you were off, and tell you not to worry and not come back to soon!How things have changed.

Exactly what was your job on the Ark stokesy - I don't remember anything like that, but having said that I have never had a job that doesn't pay sick pay or some sort of compensation - I do remember when you didn't pay tax and or insurance when off sick and so earned more for not working then when in work but that would have been in the sixties - and before you ask 1960s

[stokes11eg]

Hoi--i'm not THAT old! Thankfully with the exception of my first job. (And my alst with R/M) I worked in small family companies who valued their staff! And, if you were around in the sixties, you are bound to remember your 'cards'
complete with insurance stamps, which you collected when you got your 'books'!

[stokes11eg]

P.s I remember when sick pay was TWICE your wages! True. in the sixties my wage was about four quid. I was off for a week, and you got paid sick from day one, and i got eight quid!!!

[mvinny]

I am having the same trouble!

Signed off from work for 4 weeks after getting seen at the local hospital with damaged hand, after 3 days had been called 3 times from different managers within my office.

After 2 weeks had the DOM call me and say I was basically taking the p***.

Went back to work as I was told I would be given jobs that I could manage using 1 hand.
ATOS called and said to continue light duties for 6 weeks.

After 2 weeks managers trying to give me jobs lifting packets....sorry can only use one hand....in that case we will make you work dead on your time every day was the response and the DOM is going to MAKE you go back on delivery next week!

Great place to work this!

[norbert]

I am having the same trouble!

Signed off from work for 4 weeks after getting seen at the local hospital with damaged hand, after 3 days had been called 3 times from different managers within my office.

After 2 weeks had the DOM call me and say I was basically taking the p***.

Went back to work as I was told I would be given jobs that I could manage using 1 hand.
ATOS called and said to continue light duties for 6 weeks.

After 2 weeks managers trying to give me jobs lifting packets....sorry can only use one hand....in that case we will make you work dead on your time every day was the response and the DOM is going to MAKE you go back on delivery next week!

Great place to work this!

arseholes !