Paying for sick certs when on unpaid sick leave

blakestones

Hi
can anyone help me, i am on sickness benefit and have been sending in a private sick cert to work, but cannot now afford the cost of these and the fees to see the doctor everytime i need one. i sent them a copy of my social welfare cert stating that i am unfit for work, but they wont accept this, should i just keep sending a copy each week and see what happens. surely it the social welfare accept this for payment my company should, as i dont get paid from work

davo10

Hi OP. Most employers require weekly/fortnightly certs as proof that you are absent from work on genuine medical grounds. Without the cert you are absent without leave which could lead to disciplinary action.

The social welfare form only shows you are being paid by Welfare, not what your ailment is and when you are likely to return to work. You will probably need to borrow from a friend/relative if you can.

Glinda

Depending on where you work there may be a company doctor that you can see free of charge. Not everywhere has this option though. Does your own doctor charge you full price for repeat visits with the same illness?

blakestones

Hi Dave

the social welfare cert does shows why i am off work with a back problem and it says to be reviewed on a weekly basis, i have been on to citizens advice and they say my employer should accept this as it states what my illness is and is signed by my doctor certifying that i am medically unfit for work. I just dont know what to do, should i take the advice from the citizens advice or just keep sending the copy of the social welfare one and see what happens

davo10

Your contract will stipulate what is required by your employer. social welfare and citizens advice can say what they like, if your employer requires a med cert and will not accept a welfare cert, then you must provide one unfortunately.

Cushie Butterfield

Ring your GP's surgery, speak to the secretary & explain the situation & ask for a callback from your doctor. He/she might be able to suggest something. GPs are paid by DSP for each cert so he/she might be prepared to issue you with another that is acceptable to your employer at no further/reduced fee, or failing that to come to an arrangement with you to pay after you return to work.