Can an employer not let you have just 1 day off?

[Dirty Frank]

My neighbour is ill with a bad back, he has spent the day at the hospital having X-rays and scans. He had to call in sick, the doctor sent him straight up to the hospital.

He has been given pain killers and is wanting to get back to work tomorrow (probably to avoid his a-hole of a wife)but work have told him they dont allow people to take 1 day off to put people off pulling sickies.

He doesnt get paid for time off and doesnt earn much so needs to be back at work. Can they force him to stay home?

Seems a bit mental to me.

[Dirty Frank]

He;s ok to go back and is wanting to. He was given pain killers and told he was fit for work, he didnt challange it as he doesnt get paid when he isnt in.

[Dirty Frank]

I meant day off without pay, he accepts he wont get paid but wants to get back to work. He has gone in today expecting them to turn him away.