Operations and sick leave

[KAgantua]

I have a hernia op in February, would that be seen as a 'sick day' or a days annual leave? What about recuperation? Never been in this position before, is there a mandatory standard?

[Gary29]

I don't know the answer to your question, but I was in a similar position a couple of years ago, needed 4 days off following a surgery, so I just booked it as annual leave as I didn't particularly want my work colleagues to know (it wasn't a sex change op before anyone asks!)

I think sick days are usually deemed as 'unforeseen'

I would guess things like a hernia operation would require you to take leave from a legal standpoint.

Morally you could declare yourself sick and just take the time off though.

[dibblecorse]

Thats covered under your sickness policy along with the recuperation, just check at what point they move you from full pay to statutory sick pay, HR will answer that easily, you can then if you wish and they are amenable use some annual leave to protect income if needed,

[KAgantua]

Yeah I emailed them earlier, we are a small (Ish) company so wanted to understand best practice/ legislation in case they misunderstand/ try and pull a fast one thanks

[Sir Bagalot]

Sick leave is for when you're unfit to work. I'd say after an Op you're unfit to work.

[ozzuk]

Just to add...unless you are directed to by your doctor, hernia operations are often elective surgery. The implication of this would be the potentially the employer would not have to pay enhanced sick pay (if they do). Its certainly not black or white though, and if you have complications from the surgery these would almost certainly be covered under sick leave.

I know when I have my hernia op my consultant said he wouldn't tell me to have it, but he said if it was him he'd have it done - so it was very much my choice. My employer didn't kick up a fuss though (they were very supportive).

I'm an IT guy though and this is just my opinion from previously looking into this

[ElectricSoup]

Sir Bagalot said:

Sick leave is for when you're unfit to work. I'd say after an Op you're unfit to work.

You're probably unfit to work during it, as well.

[KAgantua]

Cherers chaps - Ive been working there about 15 months and havent had a sick day yet, have emailed HR and see what they say. It is IT manager so light duties after the op will not affect my capability to do the job, its just the day of the op and maybe a day or so recovery afterwards.

[Jockman]

Surely it’s down to what the medical experts say.

It is not for you or the company to diagnose or to determine.

Apologies if I’m reading OP incorrectly.