My boss wants me to see a doctor
I’ve been off work for three or four weeks now with really bad back pain. My GP’s not sure what’s wrong and is sending me to see a specialist for tests. I’m really worried about being off sick – my boss has been pretty good to date. We’ve worked together for a few years and have a strong relationship. I’ve kept her informed and sent her sick notes etc., but she now says that the company might make me consult an independent doctor so that they can obtain a report on my condition. I’m paranoid that they may be trying to sack me. Where do I stand?
You’ve done absolutely the right thing in keeping your boss informed – that’s the basic key to having any period of absence. Maybe as well as sending sick notes, you could call your boss every few days, just to make sure everything’s going OK in your absence. You’re signed off work, so you’re under no obligation whatsoever to offer any help – but if you’re bored and you feel up to it, depending on your line of work, you could offer to do bits and pieces from home, just to keep your hand in and ensure your boss is aware that you’re still care about your work.
I can understand it sounding ominous that the company wants to refer you to an independent doctor. But it’s not that unusual, so I wouldn’t be too worried. Basically, any employer will be anxious to find out exactly what’s wrong with a member of staff who’s off sick – both to plan for cover during their absence, and also to enable them make any appropriate adjustments to their job, when they resume work. Say your back pains are caused by the way you sit at your desk, your boss will need to know this so that the problem can be sorted when you get back.
However, your company has to get your written consent in order to make you attend an independent medical examination. There may be something in your contract, which requires you to do this, but bear in mind you can still refuse.
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