whats my rights??with this can they do this?should i get in touch with my union member?

Question

i have been off work now for two weeks, with anxiety and stress, the doctor has given me 6weeks off to get better.
The reason why i am off is due to what i do, i work as a care and support worker, with the council i work with adults with learning problems, been doing this now for 2 years.
Its not the clients that are the cos of me being off its the management, i have been putting up with the crap for far too long and its finally took its toll on me, with my health.
What i would like to know is, they have already seen me at my house twice since i have been off, they have arranged counselling for me, which i will go to, but they are constanly phoning me all the time, got a letter in today saying that they want me to attend a meeting with them on valentines day, with the two main bosses.
Im in no fit state to attend this meeting, as they are gonna be really nasty to me, cos thats what they are like. Im off due to work why can't they leave me alone until im a bit better instead of haslin.

Answer 1

If you are 'signed off' and have submitted your sick line then they cannot demand your presence at work in any capacity (in fact you are not insured or legally covered in the workplace if that's the case). They might spin you line about 'how they can help' and 'what can they do to make your working time better' but you have the right to refuse this until you go back to work - perhaps as a back to work/sickness interview. I agree with the person that said to look for another job - perhaps the NHS? Not the best employer but they know the ins and outs of employment law and wouldn't hassle you in this situation. Concentrate on getting well and de-stressing.

Answer 2

They are quite likely to tell you that their "keeping in touch" is an affirmation of their duty of care for their staff. Your other responders are quite right, in that, if your doctor has told you to stay away from work then that is what you are entitled to do. I would be inclined to tell your employers that you do not need a meeting just now, and will be happy to meet them when you feel better, and would add, if you feel that they are a bother, that you find visits and enquiries stressful, and would prefer that they left the next contact to you, which contact, you might tell them, you will make just as soon as you feel a little better.
They may be, sincerely, trying to do their very best for you. Their contacts and invitations to a meeting are, quite probably, no more than trying to be helpful, but, if you are not up to it at the moment thay should leave you to get better.
I would communicate by letter, and ensure that I had copies of any and all correspondence, and, yes, I would ask my union for advice - sooner rather than later.

Answer 3

If you are certified as unfit to work, you don't go to work. As far as I know, your employer is negligent if they permit you to work while you are signed off. A meeting with your bosses in the workplace to discuss work is work so I would write back saying you will be happy to meet them once your doctor authorises such a meeting. And use your time off to find a new job.

Answer 4

That's ridiculouous
i had this prob and had to attend a disciplinary hearing to see what help they could give me
i was lucky ]
my employer followed the law and yours has to also
if u signed off by doc theres jack sh!t they can do

if i were u i wld speak2 human ressources imeduiately and union rep
THEY CANT LEGALLY screw u over like this

Answer 5

If you feel you are being hassled by managers at work, you are equally enetiled to take out a grievance against the council.Ask them for a copy of their grievance procedure, ask them why they want to see you on Wednesday and contact your Union rep. You are entitled to be accompanied at any disciplinary meeting.