Absent one day. Sent letter already.

[lofarl]

I threw my back out on Tuesday, right at the end of the duty. The pain of this is beyond belief. I have never been in such discomfort. Anyway I phoned in sick for Wednesday and explained I doubted I'd be in the rest of the week. Now my rest day for the week is today (Thursday) and lo and behold I receive a letter about my continued absence and asking me to attend a meeting for Friday. Given that this is my first absence in two years, I find it quite disgusting that I have been sent such a threatening letter.

If someone was quite distressed about receiving such a letter, they could return to work when they are not fit and risk further injury. Given that right now I struggle to walk to the bathroom I doubt I would pop into work for a little chat. So I did phone up and ask to speak to the manager who sent out this letter, unfortunately he was off today. So I did explain I would not be attending.

Given that this has made me quite angry about being harassed in such a manner. I am wondering if there is any action I can take. I find it very wrong that having been absent for such a short time, to be treated like this.

Also I have saw no improvement in my condition. I have never been off work for any length of time. So I am wondering what the procedure is to get a sick line. Is our self certification 5 days or 7? Also when do I need to see a doctor about a sick line?

[clashcityrocker]

When you are off sick, they send you a letter inviting you to an interview. It is part of their "contact strategy".
If you go, you go. If you can't you don't.
The "harassment" is in your head.

You phone them (like you did) and tell them you won't be attending. You can invite them to pop round if they so wish.
What is there to get so stressed about?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

When your in Pain its easy to get stressed.

However, more concerned if you are having trouble walking to the bog then you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, it could be just a pulled muscle, or a slipped disc that needs attention, but anything in the back/spine area needs to be checked out.

Doctor will give you a fit note to cover your absence beyond the initial self certificate if they think your injury warrants it. Also if manager offers ATOS contact they accept it, they may help.

[doorstepped]

no point in taking one day you might as well take seven as it all counts as one bout of illness / sickness etc.

take seven days, self certificate yourself and sort your back out hopefully.

if the DIM is that worried, ask him round for a cuppa, but he has to bring the biscuits.

only you will know when you are ready, backs are weird things though and can heal almost as quickly as you can damage them.

enjoy your few days off and watch Jezza and those loose women on the gogglebox

[fishtank]

It's "prompted" by the PSP system...

Once an employee has notified the manager that they will be absent due to illness, the manager should record the absence on Managing My Team on PSP (Enter/update absence). Once the absence is recorded, the manager will receive a prompt to produce and send the Initial Contact Letter. This letter provides the employee with details of any support available during their illness and explains their responsibilities during the absence. This letter should be sent to the employee where appropriate.

[POSTMAN]

It's "prompted" by the PSP system...

Once an employee has notified the manager that they will be absent due to illness, the manager should record the absence on Managing My Team on PSP (Enter/update absence). Once the absence is recorded, the manager will receive a prompt to produce and send the Initial Contact Letter. This letter provides the employee with details of any support available during their illness and explains their responsibilities during the absence. This letter should be sent to the employee where appropriate.

No mention of a meet though,although have not seen the new letters as such.

[lofarl]

Well I shall post a copy of the letter.


Dear xxxxx

I would appreciate if you would attend Royal Mail (depot) on Friday 7th December at 10:30 for an interview with xxxxxxx regarding your continued absence.

The purpose of the interview is to monitor your progress and ascertain a likely date for your return to work.

Please reply using the return slip below to confirm your attendance/ non attendance. If you are unable to attend please give your reasons below.


Yours sincerely
Xxxxxxxxx

[k979aaa]

How are you able to post a letter if your back has gone do these gaffa's even think, phone them and tell them you will keep them informed!.

[fishtank]

I don't think i've seen anyone attend these meetings.
I've had a couple of these letters and just binned them.
If you're too ill to go to work you're too ill to go to a pointless meeting.
As long as you maintain reasonable contact,you've fulfilled your obligations with regard to the sick pay policy and not turning up at these meetings should not result in any stoppage of pay or any conduct issues.
If it does contact your rep and branch immediately.

If you are going to be off long term,if it is physically possible a meeting can be agreed but it should be by agreement,not because they demand it.