Back to work interview

[mojothefishmo]

Im currently off work with tendinitis at the top of my calf ,been signed off for 2 weeks via the doctor,ive been asked to go into work for an interview in the middle of my absence
im due to go back to work next wed ,which i fully intend to do as the rest and tablets seem to be working ok ,ive also got a podiatrist appointment on tuesday my day off
is it reasonable to attend and what should i expect?

[Himaggen]

That is not a 'back to work' interview, a 'back to work' interview is what you are supposed to get once your absence has ended. This is an interview intended to negotiate a return to work quicker than your fit note suggests.

I would suggest that you inform your Manager that your fitness to return is based upon receiving the rest and care outlined by your Doctor. Visiting the office was not part of that care plan and may exacerbate the injury further jeopardising the intended return date.

BTW, every day of absence is counted, since your scheduled day off is Tuesday, you should telephone your Manager before close of play on Monday and inform them that you feel well enough to make your next scheduled attendance.

[mojothefishmo]

That is not a 'back to work' interview, a 'back to work' interview is what you are supposed to get once your absence has ended. This is an interview intended to negotiate a return to work quicker than your fit note suggests.

I would suggest that you inform your Manager that your fitness to return is based upon receiving the rest and care outlined by your Doctor. Visiting the office was not part of that care plan and may exacerbate the injury further jeopardising the intended return date.

BTW, every day of absence is counted, since your scheduled day off is Tuesday, you should telephone your Manager before close of play on Monday and inform them that you feel well enough to make your next scheduled attendance.

Right thx for that ,doctor says if i feel well enough to attend then thats fine but told me i will need a phased back to work program so i dont injure myself again putting to much strain on too soon
So we will see what happens ,although i am gonna stick to the sick note

[Himaggen]

You will receive a phased return to work plan only if you allow your Manager to pass your details to occupational health, (ATOS), prior to your intended return.

You will therefore need to do your best to pass on the Doctors recommendation and start the wheels in motion for that. Whether you do so by attending the interview or by having the Manager visit you is your decision to make; but I would suggest that your interview is intended merely to involve ATOS, so I'd suggest you telephone the Manager and request the ATOS referral for a phased return to work plan now.

[pcb]

If over 14 days would be considered as long term sick, so it could be a long term sick interview.

[mojothefishmo]

If over 14 days would be considered as long term sick, so it could be a long term sick interview.

Its been 9 days so far ,and its reasons for absence and and support i may require to get back to work

[pcb]

The new procedure has nothing on you having to attend a meeting before 14 days (under long term sick). Phone manager and ask why you have to attend because its outside of the procedure. If manager gets stroppy inform your rep, in fact inform your rep now and get them to ask the idiot!

[fishtank]

You will receive a phased return to work plan only if you allow your Manager to pass your details to occupational health, (ATOS), prior to your intended return.

That's not true.
Royal Mail are still obliged to make necessary adjustments for a phased return to work based on the medical information they have from the GP.
ATOS is just another source of information for managers nothing more than that.

The attendance agreement actually leaves it up to management to decide whether an ATOS referral is necessary and I wouldn't see any reason to refuse one but it isn't compulsory in any way...It would be legally dubious at best to refuse adjustments or a phased return to work based solely on a member of staff declining an Occupational Health Service referral.

When an employee has been away from work for a period of sick absence, their return to work will need to be planned and where necessary, adjustments considered to support them.

Advice from the Occupational Health Service may be sought prior to the return to
ensure that any modifications or adjustments are appropriate; the manager should also refer to the ‘Fit Note’ for additional information.

[mojothefishmo]

The new procedure has nothing on you having to attend a meeting before 14 days (under long term sick). Phone manager and ask why you have to attend because its outside of the procedure. If manager gets stroppy inform your rep, in fact inform your rep now and get them to ask the idiot!

So is this part true?

[fishtank]

The new procedure has nothing on you having to attend a meeting before 14 days (under long term sick). Phone manager and ask why you have to attend because its outside of the procedure. If manager gets stroppy inform your rep, in fact inform your rep now and get them to ask the idiot!

So is this part true?

If you're off sick you're off sick.
There's nothing stopping a manager asking you to come in for a meeting but there's nothing saying you have to attend if you're not fit to attend.
If a manager demands you attend or threatens you with any kind of disciplinary for not attending then report it to your rep otherwise file the letter in the usual place.
As long as you maintain regular contact there is nothing to worry about.

[mojothefishmo]

Interview went fine all very polite etc ,was told by the doctor i will need a phased return to work ,told my manager this and was met with we may not be able to offer this...now i know we are always struggling to cover
I was told i may have to decide weather to work full time or continue to stay off work,i have someone looking into it for me but it all smells a bit to be honest

[fishtank]

I was told i may have to decide weather to work full time or continue to stay off work

The precise point during recovery which is the best time to return to work activities is an individual’s judgement and expert guidance will be given to the manager by the Occupational Health Service. As a general guide, it is reasonable and appropriate for an employee to return to work when recovery allows completion of approximately half of their work activities. Similarly the aim would be for the employee to be able to perform their full role usually within four weeks but may continue beyond this period where appropriate.

[Himaggen]

was told by the doctor i will need a phased return to work ,told my manager this and was met with we may not be able to offer this

As I said, regardless of the rules fishtank kindly posted, the only way you're liable to secure a phased return is through ATOS referral. This referral can be requested by you and your Manager should not refuse to make it. Necessary adjustments by a non qualified Manager which could potentially drop them in the brown stuff will rarely be given, they are supposed to be supporting your return to work and will not want to take the blame for making your condition worse.

...now i know we are always struggling to cover
I was told i may have to decide weather to work full time or continue to stay off work

If your Manager cannot cover you for part of the day why on earth would they suggest you stay off thus requiring yet more cover!

Think of yourself, not your Managers inability to balance people with workload, request the referral.