Had some time off work - worried I'll be penalised, can anyone help?

[mehdismummy]

From April to April I've had about 5 days off sick with flu, abcess in my mouth etc, but I've also been under a lot of stress at work, just been through a disciplinary. I've now had new stuff happen - some people at work have been talking behind my back and now I've got to have another investigation. I'm feeling very stressed and my gp has suggested that I get signed off work but I don't want to get sacked for it. They can't sack me for going off sick can they?

[edam]

Not immediately, no. But if you are off for months they might take the view that you are unavailable to do your job. They'd have to do a medical before it got to that stage, though.

You could go to CAB or your union if you have one for more info. Or look up the Department for Business website - when they were the DTI they had all the employment law up.

[flowerybeanbag]

hi mehdismummy, no they can't, to sack you you'd have to be off for ages and they'd have to get a medical opinion that you were not fit to return and were unlikely to be for a long time.

[No1ErmaBombeckfan]

Can't sack you for being ill - but as long as you comply with the HR requirements..

What was the disciplinary hearing for? Was it in relation to the time off??

[mehdismummy]

no - disciplinary was not in relation to time off

thanks for all your replies