Sickness and Stage Question

[Lou84]

I keep reading things on this forum and I am totally confused by the stage process.

I had an operation on the 20th June which is also the day my sick record started, surgeon signed me off for two weeks and then the doctor signed me off for a further four. So in total I had six weeks off.

Had the ATOS referral which advised two weeks full hours indoor duties, manager never bothered with a return to work interview or any talk of stages etc

I ended up doing seven days of rehab, before being eased back into my full duty on a Monday being the lighter part of the week (managers bright idea) when my ATOS report ran till the Thursday.

Once out on full duties, I began to experience pain which I informed my manager off, really struggled with delivery and even cut off on one particular day. When asked why I was struggling, well durr it was only my third day on delivery after being out for six weeks due to an operation.

After nine days on delivery the pain was so unbearable to walk, drive, general discomfort of it all that I went back to the doctor. She promptly signed me off work for another three weeks and referred me back to surgeon/specialist. I rang my manager that evening (22nd August) and explained what had happened. He thanked me for letting him know and said he'd ring me the following day, was going to ATOS me and keep the lines of communication open. Its now September 2nd and I've heard nothing from him or ATOS.

I'm seeing the specialist on Thursday which at the moment everything hangs on and then back to docs in the evening depending on the out come.

Now depending on what stages I've triggered am I better off keeping the sickness ongoing or attempting to go back and risking going sick again triggering yet another stage ?

Thanks

[dvbuk55]

Now depending on what stages I've triggered am I better off keeping the sickness ongoing or attempting to go back and risking going sick again triggering yet another stage ?

Thanks

As it is the same problem or at least associated, then it should be considered as a single absence, but managers can be fickle - my advice for what it's worth stay off until signed off and you feel able to carry out your duty. Also get ATOS involved if you can for a structured return to work program.

[clashcityrocker]

If you haven't yet been issued with a stage 1, you can't trigger a stage 2.
No matter how long you have off, it will still only trigger a stage 1 warning.

[POSTMAN]

Had the ATOS referral which advised two weeks full hours indoor duties,

I ended up doing seven days of rehab, before being eased back into my full duty on a Monday being the lighter part of the week (managers bright idea) when my ATOS report ran till the Thursday.

You need to make your area rep aware of the above.

[goldy]

If you are given a rehabilitation programme do the managers have to stick to ?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

If you are given a rehabilitation programme do the managers have to stick to ?

No - but they are stupid if they don't as it could backfire, especially if someone went to an ET over it.

[Lou84]

After seeing my specialist I had a few decisions to make, spoke to my manager Saturday 'yeah yeah I'll ATOS you, blah blah ATOS ATOS'

It's now Friday and I still haven't heard from my manager or ATOS, doctor has signed me off for a further week in which I need to sort out my further treatment and a sensible return to work action plan.

Doctor has advised no walking, no driving, no lifting, ideally a sitting down role. I could be a manager

I'd like to get back to work as daytime telly is driving me mad and I'm becoming increasingly concerned about my sick record and whatever stages I'm now on.

[tetley smooth]

Lou you haven't even been invited for interview yet. Stop worrying and get yourself fit and well. Personally i think the manager knows he/she has fecked up. No return to work and pushing you into delivery to early. Keep us informed.

[Lou84]

Finally spoke to my manager this morning, apparently ATOS cancelled my appointment along with another persons from my office.

He said I can't return to work until I've had an ATOS referral and basically go get myself signed off again, but why should I make my sick record even worse due to their incompetence ?

I've also got to have an injection once a month, which I've found out this morning is only available on a Thursday morning and I've got to go to Maidstone for it.

What would this go down as with work ? Would it be special leave once a month or would I be expected to take annual leave for this ?

Or alternatively make the appointment late morning and go to work first prep and then be dismissed for my appointment.

I just wanna get back to normality as being at home just gets me down.