Sick certs - can employer insist on weekly?

Raichų

hi guys,

my GP signed me off for a month from work. However my line manager has informed me the company requires weekly certs- however the GP refuses to do so and states they don’t do that.

Can they insist on this and can the GP refuse? Not sure what to do here.

The other part I think is weird my manager told me I have to ring every week and give him an update? But surely if my cert is for a month then why do I need to ring in every fecking week?

Gumbo

Interested in the answer to this. I know of one employer that insists on this too. Dunnes Stores. A friend of mine, her husband had to drop up weekly certs!

I’m convinced it’s against the law to do this.

walshb

I think after 5 days employers can rightly request updated certs on a weekly basis. And also, can request calls/comms with their employees. Might be an inconvenience to some, but if you have nothing to hide… well

sydthebeat

https://www.smallbusinesspayroll.ie/employers-guide-to-irelands-new-sick-leave-act.php#:~:text=When%20can%20I%20ask%20for,ask%20for%20weekly%20medical%20certificates.

When can I ask for a medical certificate?

You can ask your employee for a medical certificate from their GP when they are on sick leave. For example, you may require an employee to provide a medical certificate if they are off sick for more than 2 days in a row. The medical certificate should state the date when they are likely to return to work. If your employee is likely to be off sick for a long time, you may ask for weekly medical certificates.

Mrs OBumble

I recall having to give Welfare a weekly cert a few years ago - even after surgery for which my GP insisted 4 weeks was the minimum possible recovery time.

Raichų

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123458549#Comment_123458549

I don’t have anything to hide. I have extremely bad anxiety that has me up the walls. I don’t even have the head to step out the front door- never mind chats with my line manager.

He’s a lovely guy, I like him a lot, but at the moment I despise everyone and everything and just want to die. So, ya know, the pressure of weekly calls and visits to my GP are causing me more stress. I just can’t believe this is acceptable. Fcuk sake.

Raichų

also walshb I hope I didn’t come across as having a go- I wasn’t.

Larbre34

Yes. Well within their rights to.

walshb

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123458587#Comment_123458587

I knew you weren’t. I was more coming from an employer’s angle, which I agree with.

Employers have to ensure all is above board, and as well, there is that subtle “putting the ball in your court” angle to it. It’s kind of natural. You’re paying a person to work and they aren’t working.

Of course, many legitimate sickness reasons, but an awful lot people take the piss. I can understand employers putting the squeeze on at times. They’re not going to make it “easy” for employees.

Same reason why many employers will insist on a phone call from their employees when reporting absences; they won’t allow an easy text or email or WhatsApp. It’s there to discourage.

And I hope you start to feel better and more confident going forward..

Kaisr Sose

@Raichų Hope you get back to feeling well.

It might be worth saying to your GP about the work requirements and the effect they are having on you/your recovery.

An employer has rights, but those rights should not impinge on the well being/recovery of an employee on medically certified leave.

suvigirl

Its just more hassle and money having to get weekly certs. I'll soon be off for at least 8 weeks and will hopefully be putting in one cert to cover the whole lot.

TheSunIsShining

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123458586#Comment_123458586

Best of luck friend - hang in there.