Advice re Sickness/Injury and Returning to Work

[Kinkyboots]

Hi I need some advice.

I had an accident on Thursday last week and have a possible broken Scaphoid bone. I have not been signed off work or advised not to work, but my office are insisting that I have a return to work certificate before they let me start work again. According to my doctor, as I was never signed off, he can’t give me one of these certificates.

However I have got a letter from the specialist at the fracture clinic that says:

“I reviewed the above patient in the clinic today further to an injury. She is under initial investigations for a suspected scaphoid bone injury in her right hand. At this point in time there is no restriction in her activity as long as she rests her right hand adequately with or without the splint based on her pain/comfort.

If you need any further details please contact us. “

But my office say the letter is too vague and that I cannot return to work until I have a return to work certificate confirming I can work full time and do my job (I am a PA). Unfortunately, as I have only been at this company for 7 months, my sick pay entitlement is about to end and even though I want to go back in, the company are not allowing me to and consequently it looks like I am not going to get paid until the fracture clinic is satisfied that either the bone isn’t broken, or has completely healed. Given that that could be a long time, does anyone have any advice on getting my HR department to let me work again?

[Stevenj214]

Not sure if it exists, but could you ask Doc for a 'fit to work' letter rather than 'back to work' ?

[Jasandjules]

Ask the fracture clinic to produce a letter which says you are fit to work. Your company are worried that to work you would breach their insurance, but a letter from your consultant ought to suffice.

Was the injury caused at work?

[fred flange]

Why not self certify for the first week then go back and see your doc and get signed off for a week or a signing off certificat with a fit for return date given?

Edited by fred flange on Saturday 10th October 16:47

[Van Diesel]

Form Med 3 (typically known as a sick note) gives the GP the option to state that "you need not refrain from work". It also allows the GP to make comment about any recommended restrictions.

Worth a visit to the GP to see if the situation can be progressed sensibly.

Hope this helps.