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Old 27-12-2016, 22:04
Sarah_Moncrieff
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Hi guys,

Just after a little bit of advice

I was signed off work on 6th dc with work related stress, basically travelling and dark nights, poor weather etc caused me to have a breakdown. The day I went on the sick, MD had me in the office, suggesting they got copies of my medical records, I was so shocked etc I just signed it and said yes, no problem. Since then, I've had one phone call off my line manager and then a letter on 22nd Dec requesting that I attend a welfare meeting on 3rd Jan, the day before I'm supposed to return to work. I replied that I'd be there, but I've fretted over this and the return to work and tbh I can't do it. I've decided to get my sick note extended for another month and then hand in my notice on the last week as I'll have 2 & 1/2 weeks holiday.
I travel 400 plus miles a week, which is continuing to my problems and work is really getting me down, even though they don't think there is an issue and thinks that this lies at home.
I feel that I'm being victimised for having mental health issues, as we've just had someone return to work driving an artic after being off for 6months and none of this has taken place with them!!
1st question is, do I have to attend this welfare meeting, if I'm still signed off?
2nd question is, can I hand my notice in whilst off sick

Any advice is much appreciated, as I can count on one hand the amount of time I've had off in the 13 years I've worked for the company.
Thanks
Sarah
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Old 27-12-2016, 22:48
TUTV Viewer
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I feel that I'm being victimised for having mental health issues, as we've just had someone return to work driving an artic after being off for 6months and none of this has taken place with them!!
Why was the HGV driver signed off sick?

Your GP has identified that the company is responsible your illness and formally notified them of this - so clearly now your company's occupational health department now have to go through a formal process to help you get back to work and mitigate the issues that caused your illness.

There's little point in your GP identifying what the problem is if you don't then give the company a chance to sort it out.

400 miles a week commuting is hardly outrageous. I do close to that - straight 45 minutes each way.
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Old 27-12-2016, 22:53
Soomacdoo
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Don't fret over the welfare meeting, it's fairly normal stuff. You have been off with work related stress so they have a duty of care, the welfare meeting will be to see if there if anything they can do to help you back to work. Go to the meeting and see what help they can offer you. You have said that the travelling is an issue, is there an option to work from another office closer to home, or is there the option to work from home a couple of days a week?

You said: I feel that I'm being victimised for having mental health issues, as we've just had someone return to work driving an artic after being off for 6months and none of this has taken place with them!!

Was the other employee also off with work related stress? Or was he off with another health issue? People with WRS are treated differently as the job is the cause of the problem therefore something at work has to change. Based on what you have told us so far there does not appear to be a reason to feel victimised, unless you can tell us otherwise.

You said: I've decided to get my sick note extended for another month and then hand in my notice on the last week as I'll have 2 & 1/2 weeks holiday.

Your Doctor will decide whether to extend your sick note or not if he feels you are not well enough to return to work. Don't overreact and do anything rash, handing your notice in needs to be the last resort so just wait and see what help they can offer you at the welfare meeting. In the meantime, try to keep calm and don't fret too much.
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Old 27-12-2016, 23:27
dosanjh1
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Hi guys,

Just after a little bit of advice

I was signed off work on 6th dc with work related stress, basically travelling and dark nights, poor weather etc caused me to have a breakdown. The day I went on the sick, MD had me in the office, suggesting they got copies of my medical records, I was so shocked etc I just signed it and said yes, no problem. Since then, I've had one phone call off my line manager and then a letter on 22nd Dec requesting that I attend a welfare meeting on 3rd Jan, the day before I'm supposed to return to work. I replied that I'd be there, but I've fretted over this and the return to work and tbh I can't do it. I've decided to get my sick note extended for another month and then hand in my notice on the last week as I'll have 2 & 1/2 weeks holiday.
I travel 400 plus miles a week, which is continuing to my problems and work is really getting me down, even though they don't think there is an issue and thinks that this lies at home.
I feel that I'm being victimised for having mental health issues, as we've just had someone return to work driving an artic after being off for 6months and none of this has taken place with them!!
1st question is, do I have to attend this welfare meeting, if I'm still signed off?
2nd question is, can I hand my notice in whilst off sick

Any advice is much appreciated, as I can count on one hand the amount of time I've had off in the 13 years I've worked for the company.
Thanks
Sarah
As you've mentioned 'work related stress' this becomes a health and safety issue, your employer has a legal duty of care to identify and mitigate workplace stress related issues.

You've highlighted traveling as trigger factor but it's not clear if it's travelling to and from work or travelling during work for work related duties - I would think travel to and from work wouldn't be counted as work related stress as it's outside of your employers control.

In any case, read the linked leaflet from the CIPD which will give you info on your employers duties

https://www.cipd.co.uk/Images/work-r...cm18-10721.pdf
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Old 28-12-2016, 00:25
tiacat
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Did the GP actually specify work related stress, I find it unusual that they do that, they normally just write stress or anxiety or depression, how would a GP on your first sick period for this be able to determine whether it is work related or not?
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Old 28-12-2016, 00:48
Jells Bells
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It does seem unlikely that this would be work related stress when you mention that the causes are: travelling, dark nights and bad weather which would seem to be hard to blame on the workplace.
Nonetheless they seem to be trying to help with your return to work so I don't see why not go to the meeting. They may we'll be very sympathetic and offer some practical help. I don't think resigning is really the best way to go. You can always resign after the meeting if it's awful! I bet it won't be and you will be pleasantly surprised.
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Old 28-12-2016, 01:01
striing
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Did the GP actually specify work related stress, I find it unusual that they do that, they normally just write stress or anxiety or depression, how would a GP on your first sick period for this be able to determine whether it is work related or not?
Work related stress is the biggest accident/injury at work now - GPs certainly do put it if that is what it is. The only time I've been off work the GP diagnosed work related stress and said I'd be fine if I changed jobs - I did and I was.
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Old 28-12-2016, 02:49
scottie2121
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1st question is, do I have to attend this welfare meeting, if I'm still signed off?
No, you don't have to attend however if you are well enough to go to the meeting then it would be advisable to do so. As has been said, it's normal procedure for an employer to ask to meet up so they can discuss how things are progressing and what they can so to support you.

Having said that, some employers are better than others and some employers may try and put undue pressure on you to make a decision about returning or leaving.

It can be helpful to have someone with you for support. It can be a colleague from work for example. If you are a member of a union then it's important to contact them.

2nd question is, can I hand my notice in whilst off sick
Yes, but it would be useful to check out the implications by speaking to your union if your a member or, if not, ACAS.


You say your employer asked you to consent to accessing your medical records. Did they do this or did they contact your doctor and ask for a report about your sickness and fitness for work? Did your doctor ask you if you wanted to see any report before it went to your employer? It would be unacceptable for an employer to request copies of medical records because they will contain a lot of personal, confidential and irrelevant information.
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Old 28-12-2016, 06:51
Madamfluff
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No, you don't have to attend however if you are well enough to go to the meeting then it would be advisable to do so. As has been said, it's normal procedure for an employer to ask to meet up so they can discuss how things are progressing and what they can so to support you.

Having said that, some employers are better than others and some employers may try and put undue pressure on you to make a decision about returning or leaving.

It can be helpful to have someone with you for support. It can be a colleague from work for example. If you are a member of a union then it's important to contact them.



Yes, but it would be useful to check out the implications by speaking to your union if your a member or, if not, ACAS.


You say your employer asked you to consent to accessing your medical records. Did they do this or did they contact your doctor and ask for a report about your sickness and fitness for work? Did your doctor ask you if you wanted to see any report before it went to your employer? It would be unacceptable for an employer to request copies of medical records because they will contain a lot of personal, confidential and irrelevant information.
Yes that's correct under the access to medical records act you should have been asked if you wanted to see any records being sent by your GP BEFORE they were sent to your employer, you should have had the right to ask that certain information is withheld from your employer - although your GP would have to tell your employer that you have asked for this. You must have signed something as your GP is not allowed to release anything without your signature
http://www.netlawman.co.uk/ia/access...edical-records
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Old 28-12-2016, 07:09
scottie2121
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Yes that's correct under the access to medical records act you should have been asked if you wanted to see any records being sent by your GP BEFORE they were sent to your employer, you should have had the right to ask that certain information is withheld from your employer - although your GP would have to tell your employer that you have asked for this. You must have signed something as your GP is not allowed to release anything without your signature
http://www.netlawman.co.uk/ia/access...edical-records
Just to clarify -

The Access to Medical Reports Act 1988 allows an employer to contact their employee's doctor and request a medical report, NOT to gain access to, or get copies of, medical records.

The employer must have their employee's consent to request a report.
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Old 28-12-2016, 07:11
scottie2121
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Old 28-12-2016, 10:10
blueblade
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Hi guys,

Just after a little bit of advice

I was signed off work on 6th dc with work related stress, basically travelling and dark nights, poor weather etc caused me to have a breakdown. The day I went on the sick, MD had me in the office, suggesting they got copies of my medical records, I was so shocked etc I just signed it and said yes, no problem. Since then, I've had one phone call off my line manager and then a letter on 22nd Dec requesting that I attend a welfare meeting on 3rd Jan, the day before I'm supposed to return to work. I replied that I'd be there, but I've fretted over this and the return to work and tbh I can't do it. I've decided to get my sick note extended for another month and then hand in my notice on the last week as I'll have 2 & 1/2 weeks holiday.
I travel 400 plus miles a week, which is continuing to my problems and work is really getting me down, even though they don't think there is an issue and thinks that this lies at home.
I feel that I'm being victimised for having mental health issues, as we've just had someone return to work driving an artic after being off for 6months and none of this has taken place with them!!
1st question is, do I have to attend this welfare meeting, if I'm still signed off?
2nd question is, can I hand my notice in whilst off sick

Any advice is much appreciated, as I can count on one hand the amount of time I've had off in the 13 years I've worked for the company.
Thanks
Sarah
I would steel yourself, and attend the welfare meeting. It's your opportunity to outline to them exactly what the problem is. Ask if you can take someone with you for moral support, such as a union rep or a colleague you get on well with.

You could also ask them why they think your problems originate at home, rather than as a result of the travelling. Although If you have travelled the same route for 13 years, they will obviously wonder why there is suddenly a problem this year. This is understandable.

You said work was getting you down, but you didn't say why.

Another option - if you have the money to finance it - is to request 3 months unpaid leave. You might feel different once the lighter mornings and nights arrive, and next Winter is next Winter. You could be in a happier place by then.

By the way, I wouldn't compare yourself to another employee. It's always a bad idea to do that, as you have no real idea what the issues are pertaining to that case.
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Old 28-12-2016, 10:19
tiacat
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I was sent to HR after a period off sick, it was originally a hospitalisation with an infection but this set off my depression. They were really helpful and suggested a counselling service that even my GP didnt know anything about, I had longer term counselling than the GP service would have provided (and he had told me some years ago they couldnt offer me anything, not ill enough for psychotherapy and not responsive enough to CBT so I'd had my services and there wasnt anything else).

HR knew of this place, it was free on the NHS, it was fabulous and it really helped.

Dont think that they might be meeting you to give you a hard time, there may be avenues they know of to help. GPs are notoriously bad at giving help for MH problems.
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Old 28-12-2016, 12:12
Toggler
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As has been said before, employers have a duty of care to their employees and a medical welfare meeting is standard procedure when folks have been off a few weeks and it particularly if it is noted this is 'work related' stress.

The purpose of the welfare meeting is to discuss your continuing long term sickness absence and when you are likely to be able to return to work. This is not a disciplinary meeting but if you feel more comfortable having a companion with you, you can ask for a colleague to attend or a trade union rep. Do be aware that if you are not already a member of a union, most require at least 3 or 6 months membership before you are eligible to the right to be accompanied, mainly because they have found that some folks joined, got all the support and help, then cancelled their membership.

You have presumably signed a form under Access to medical records Act authorising your employer to ask your GP for a report. This is standard procedure and it can take about 3 or 4 weeks to arrive.

Your employer may also ask you to attend an Occupational Health appointment and if so I have no hesitation in recommending you attend. The whole purpose of the process is to support the employee back into the workplace, it is not designed to move someone out.

OH and the GP often recommend temporary changes, possibly in the role, in the hours etc in order to allow a phased return to work when the GP deems fit.

Finally, if you resign whilst being off sick how are you going to explain the reason for that to a potential new employer?

Keep calm and try not to worry.
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Old 28-12-2016, 21:28
louise1966
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Problems at work do seem to be becoming more prevalent and, consequently, employees being off sick, with WRS.
I have problems at work, with one particular colleague, and management is doing nothing about it, apart from commenting she is petty and jealous. She is, apparently, gossiping to other work mates about me, and they refer to it as bullying, as did another manager. I lost my mum, in June, and this girl made a nasty, insensitive remark. I used to love my work, and look forward to going in to work each day. I still love my job, but dread going in, when she is in. Seems management want anything for an easy life.
A guy I work with, has mental health issues, and is regularly off work. Management seems to be very accommodating.
Do not stress about the welfare meeting, as it is routine.
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Old 28-12-2016, 21:38
Simon_More
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Don't look at it as doom and gloom. My dad was off sick. In fact he had never been off sick in almost 20 years. He was mortified when he was asked to attend a meeting. Within minutes of the meeting he was treated privately at the employers cost. Ended up needing an operation. All costs met by his employer too. Not all employers are evil lol
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Old 28-12-2016, 23:03
TUTV Viewer
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Brand new poster, didn't bother coming back...
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Old 29-12-2016, 11:37
eugenespeed
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Ask for it in a neutral place.

When I was on long term sick, I met with my HR manager twice in a pub and once in a cafe.

It was the cafe when I told her I wasn't returning.
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Old 30-12-2016, 12:10
mumbles26
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Brand new poster, didn't bother coming back...
The OP is unwell TUTV. Let's give her a break. She's stressed already and with Christmas perhaps she's feeling overwhelmed.

If you're reading Sarah, how are you?
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Old 30-12-2016, 13:01
terry45
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The OP is unwell TUTV. Let's give her a break. She's stressed already and with Christmas perhaps she's feeling overwhelmed.

If you're reading Sarah, how are you?
I'd like a pound for every newbie who has started a topic and never returned to it. Not saying that will happen in this case.
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Old 30-12-2016, 19:43
blueblade
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Brand new poster, didn't bother coming back...
Actually, she was last active just over an hour before you made this post. Just because she's not posting, doesn't mean she's not reading the replies.
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Old 30-12-2016, 21:11
myss
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No, you don't have to attend however if you are well enough to go to the meeting then it would be advisable to do so. As has been said, it's normal procedure for an employer to ask to meet up so they can discuss how things are progressing and what they can so to support you.

Having said that, some employers are better than others and some employers may try and put undue pressure on you to make a decision about returning or leaving.

It can be helpful to have someone with you for support. It can be a colleague from work for example. If you are a member of a union then it's important to contact them.
I would steel yourself, and attend the welfare meeting. It's your opportunity to outline to them exactly what the problem is. Ask if you can take someone with you for moral support, such as a union rep or a colleague you get on well with.
I agree with both of these posts in regards to the employer's request for a welfare meeting with you OP being a reasonable one. You come across a bit nervous in your post, I would advise taking someone with you, even if you're not nervous, just so you have someone to back you up or clarify what was said at the meeting.

It also seems to me that you're considering handing in your notice due to this meeting, I wouldn't do this until you've certain that you've got an issue where this is an option to consider. Good luck.
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Old 30-12-2016, 21:39
DanielF
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I've been there and done that with this.

Basically meeting with your employer is not something to worry over. It's perfectly normal that they should want to discuss the situation with you, especially if it's been stated it's been due to the work issues itself. They need to support you in coming back at the time that us right for both of you.

You need to go in, be honest about how you are and what you're doing to attempt to sort yourself out to a point you can return to work. For me, that was taking appropriate medication and generally de-stressing in my everyday activities - exercise, cinema, even just slobbing out on the sofa playing video games. Whatever works for you is the best thing to do.

From their side, they're likely to see if there are any short/medium or long-term changes that they could make to the job to help you out and try to stop it happening again. With me, I was stressed because I was very close to being in the Brussels attack earlier this year and the defences I'd put up crumbled and sent me over the edge. Work made sure that I came back when I felt it was right, and brought in an outside company to do some of my job. They brought me back in office-based rather than out on the road, on a part-time basis initially and even when full time my hours were more flexible and I was allowed extra time off to see a counsellor.

Once I felt I was up to going back to doing my job fully myself, they supported me to the point where I'm now as normal as I get, and the Occupational Health meetings (or welfare meeting as it appears yours is called) have gone from monthly when off, to fortnightly when back, out to monthly and last week we agreed I'd progressed enough we'd stop them.

Obviously different companies have different approaches - I'm not saying that the fantastic support I received is what everyone will get. I'm probably one of the lucky ones and it's paid off for both of us going forward. I've certainly worked for smaller, family firms who'd take it as a slight to the business and would make it uncomfortable. But the fact there is a meeting suggests to me that it should be ok, and you should go in with an open and honest mind.

Don't worry about not coming back despite saying you were - that's part of it. I only ever had fortnightly Doctor's notes and had wanted to come back sooner before not being ready. Think long and hard about why you want to put your notice in though - that's an interesting reaction to plan it so soon and you need to understand why. Do you really feel the job isn't right for you? Or do you actually need to approach it differently? Only you can answer that; probably only in your own head even. But don't let the dark feelings win, come out of it as "you".

Happy to discuss anything on PM if you want to.
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Old 31-12-2016, 16:08
karapote monkey
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Hi guys,

Just after a little bit of advice

I was signed off work on 6th dc with work related stress, basically travelling and dark nights, poor weather etc caused me to have a breakdown. The day I went on the sick, MD had me in the office, suggesting they got copies of my medical records, I was so shocked etc I just signed it and said yes, no problem. Since then, I've had one phone call off my line manager and then a letter on 22nd Dec requesting that I attend a welfare meeting on 3rd Jan, the day before I'm supposed to return to work. I replied that I'd be there, but I've fretted over this and the return to work and tbh I can't do it. I've decided to get my sick note extended for another month and then hand in my notice on the last week as I'll have 2 & 1/2 weeks holiday.
I travel 400 plus miles a week, which is continuing to my problems and work is really getting me down, even though they don't think there is an issue and thinks that this lies at home.
I feel that I'm being victimised for having mental health issues, as we've just had someone return to work driving an artic after being off for 6months and none of this has taken place with them!!
1st question is, do I have to attend this welfare meeting, if I'm still signed off?
2nd question is, can I hand my notice in whilst off sick

Any advice is much appreciated, as I can count on one hand the amount of time I've had off in the 13 years I've worked for the company.
Thanks
Sarah
Be careful about just leaving work as you won't be able to claim any benefits...unless you do this. If you are definitely leaving, claim ESA and then transfer to JSA otherwise you will be ****ed. If you claim ESA, I don't think you can claim sickness pay from work but you won't be left with nothing for six months, due to giving up a job. Your money will also be ruined for around five weeks as you make the transition, so be very careful spending wise. I was in the same boat this time last year. Good luck x
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Old 02-01-2017, 01:53
tortfeasor
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Hi Sarah

I'm sorry to read about your recent situation. I was in a similar situation to you not so long ago and I know how difficult a situation like yours sounds can be.

If you really can't meet with your employer right now under any circumstances then I would recommend speaking to your GP about your feelings and then advise your employer.

One point I'd put on the table about why it could be beneficial to go to the meeting is related to the fact you sound like you have a plan to resign in late January/early February. From my experience the meeting I went to with my employer just made me determined to never return and that was a good thing. There is always the possibility, as others have noted, that the meeting may make you reconsider.

As a follow-on from advice others have given I would echo eugenespeed's suggestion of requesting the meeting is held somewhere neutral like a cafe.

I'd also recommend adding on to that the option of taking someone along with you or considering this. They don't even have to sit at the same table. A friend who didn't work with me sat on another table in the cafe at the meeting my employer eventually requested with me. My friend didn't participate, was sat with her back to us and to all intents and purposes could have just been another customer sat on her own. The idea was that if things got unmanageable for me I had somebody there I could call on. I didn't need to; just knowing that my friend was nearby was enough.


I hope things work out well for you.
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