Hello,

I am a regional trainer for a Blue Chip company, I broke my ankle over a week ago and it is not likely that I will be able to perform my normal work duties for the next 2-months. I am not entitled to any company sick pay during my leave and have asked my employer to consider me for working from home a couple of days a week to help out with admin for which I know they have a shortfall of staff to honour. My manager has catagorically said there is no way that they will allow me to do this even though they agree that there is work that I can complete. Is there anything I can do to battle with HR to get them to reconsider (it's very difficult to pay the mortgage on SSP)! PS, as yet I have not got a Dr's certificate as I am avoiding it until I am clear about my rights!

Thanks in advance,

Jane

Jane,



Sorry to hear about your broken ankle, and hope its not too painful.



I'm a trainer also, and specialise in training on absence and disciplinary
issues. I am surprised that a Blue Chip company does not pay any form of
occupational sick pay, but guess that’s the way things are going really.



Your case is a classic that I use as part of my training. Apart from having an
illness covered by the Disability Discrimination Act there is no right to be
offered alternative or light duties. However, for the sake of the absence
stats, company productivity and the self esteem of the individual, I would
always recommend that where possible 'light' duties should be looked at. A
broken limb, although painful to start and awkward, once in a cast does allow
you some mobility, and I have know and had people come into the office to do
paperwork with a broken leg.



In the above case, the Company must make sure it is safe for the employee to
work in the office for them and other staff, what happens in the event of a
fire etc, so should undertake some form of Risk Assessment. Also, if signed
off, that the individual's Dr has agreed for them to go back to work.



In your case you’re offering to do the work from home, so no problem there
really. I would go and see your doctor and get a certificate and also ask for a
letter which stats you are fit to undertake certain work at home or in the
office environment.



Then  arrange to meet with your boss and discuss your circumstances in
terms of why want to do it - yes financial, but play on the fact that will be
bored at home and can still provide a useful contribution to the Company, and
then see what happens from there.



If they are sensible then they will take you up on your offer, but they don’t
have to.



Good luck.



Adrian Dobson PDS-HR.com