Broken my foot, SSP sick pay only, advice please?

[Petrolhead_Rich]

So 11 days ago I tripped on the stairs, did my usual shrugging and ice round the foot, but it didn't seem right, so with a bit of persuasion went down to A&E, signed off sick and told to rest for 10 days.

My employer does not pay contractual sick pay so I'm stuck with SSP which I believe is about £86/week

after 10 days I've been back to the clinic and they looked at my foot, xrays etc and found I have actually broken my foot and have a bit of bone chipped off, so I now have another 2 weeks off sick.

Due to the work I do (CNC Service Engineer) I can't work on the shopfloor for safety reasons, and while I could do office tasks e.g. programming, admin etc the company isn't busy enough to warrant my presence in any other role

I'm a bit worried though, because if all I can earn is SSP then I literally am not going to be able to pay the bills next month without pretty much emptying the savings pot.

So options:
Apply for council tax reduction? Is this possible for a few weeks off ill?

Do some work on the side? E.G. advertise in local paper for computer repairs or something (fully qualified in IT (Cisco, HP, Comptia etc etc)) - would this affect my SSP? Is it likley to actually bring any money in over just a few weeks?

Apply for some other benefits? (Never applied for benefits, but I've paid in so maybe I should consider it?)


Alternatively, can I self-certify myself fit for work and go back? (not ideal as I'currently strapped up in a giant boot to let the foot heal, but I could manage and just take it easy, although the company says I need a doctors note to say I'm fit for work?!

Any help appreciated, as I'm seriously concerned about paying the bills next month!!

[Jam Spavlin]

Get an appointment with your local citizens advise bureau as soon as possible.

[LouD86]

Go into work, do what you can. If they send you home, yet your willing to work, surely they should still pay you full whack?

I broke my ankle a few weeks ago, and continued at work, including going from hospital back to work on the day I did it, and my job involves a lot of moving around and driving (Car Sales).

Youll be fine.

[Kapenta]

Self Certify and go back to work.

[Petrolhead_Rich]

LouD86 said:

Go into work, do what you can. If they send you home, yet your willing to work, surely they should still pay you full whack?

I broke my ankle a few weeks ago, and continued at work, including going from hospital back to work on the day I did it, and my job involves a lot of moving around and driving (Car Sales).

Youll be fine.

I'm in discussions with the management about going back, obviously not possible while I'm wearing a massive boot to keep my foot immobilised, I cant drive forklifts, or climb around the machinery like that.

I'll keep on at work and hope we come up with a plan to get me back soon then!

I'll also give C.A.B. a call & see what they suggest!

Thanks all!

[Gargamel]

Do you have any insurance ? Does your company not insure against this type of thing ?

IMHO poor form from the company not to pay a contribution too.

[Petrolhead_Rich]

Kapenta said:

Self Certify and go back to work.

I can't self certify apparently as the HR people wont let me for insurance purposes!

What sort of insurance would cover being off work?

[K77 CTR]

Is it an off sick note or an able to work but in a different capacity note? At our work if we are fit to work but in a different capacity we are paid but sent home.

[Gargamel]

Petrolhead_Rich said:

I can't self certify apparently as the HR people wont let me for insurance purposes!

What sort of insurance would cover being off work?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_protection_insurance

[Kudos]

Gargamel said:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_protection_in...

Normally doesn't kick in for a good few weeks. In my instance, 13 weeks. If you want less, you pay an absolute premium

[Fun my wife]

LouD86 said:

Go into work, do what you can. If they send you home, yet your willing to work, surely they should still pay you full whack?

I broke my ankle a few weeks ago, and continued at work

Youll be fine.

You broke your ankle just like this is your dad's Ferrari!!!

http://www.272heroes.com/forum/showthread.php?2084...

[anonymous-user]

Petrolhead_Rich said:

I can't self certify apparently as the HR people wont let me for insurance purposes!

Have they put that in writing with an explanation so it could be challenged if necessary or just 'said it' with nothing to back it up because it's easier?

[mph1977]

K77 CTR said:

Is it an off sick note or an able to work but in a different capacity note? At our work if we are fit to work but in a different capacity we are paid but sent home.

if GP or consultant is saying 'altered duties' / 'light duties' then the ball really is in the employers court, especially if there are office based aspects to a role .

[Petrolhead_Rich]

Gargamel said:

Petrolhead_Rich said:

I can't self certify apparently as the HR people wont let me for insurance purposes!

What sort of insurance would cover being off work?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_protection_insurance

Duh! anyway, no I don't have that!

[Petrolhead_Rich]

mph1977 said:

K77 CTR said:

Is it an off sick note or an able to work but in a different capacity note? At our work if we are fit to work but in a different capacity we are paid but sent home.

if GP or consultant is saying 'altered duties' / 'light duties' then the ball really is in the employers court, especially if there are office based aspects to a role .

it is a "NOT FIT FOR WORK" note!

[Petrolhead_Rich]

speedyguy said:

Petrolhead_Rich said:

I can't self certify apparently as the HR people wont let me for insurance purposes!

Have they put that in writing with an explanation so it could be challenged if necessary or just 'said it' with nothing to back it up because it's easier?

They have just said it at the moment, it seems sick pay is at the managements discretion, I've had one day off previously and they paid me, I'm hoping we can negotiate something this time....