Unpaid sick leave after surgery

[Busy-Lizzie]

Hi there,

I work as a nurse for a large healthcare organisation in the UK and am facing the prospect of being unpaid for the second week of sickness absence ai will be required to take after scheduled surgery. I had my last op 13 years ago. This will be my 3rd op. I've worked for this organisation since last summer and am told that company sickness policy is policy and it does not matter rhe reason for the sickess absence.

I declared my Endo diagnosis through Occ Health prior to starting employment and was told by Occ Health I am covered by the Equality act, but this does not appear to protect me from being left to starve.

I have contacted my Union for advice but they are currently closed.

Does anyone have any advice about thus situation?

[Moon_maiden]

You can claim benefits, it’s not likely much, but would help.

I know I’ll have to at some point when have op.

[Busy-Lizzie in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thanks, Moon Maiden. I didn't realise I'd actually have to apply for benefit because I was under the impression that I could get statutory sick pay if my company sick pay ran out.

[Moon_maiden in reply to Busy-Lizzie]

You may need to check. It would all depend on how much time you’ve had in the past. Statutory through a company is only for so many weeks, I can’t remember off hand. Once it runs out it’s up to the individual to apply outside of work. Companies have to pay statutory themselves out of a government allowance once a year.

Check with your HR at work and CAB, just so you know you’re getting the right advice. There maybe other benefits you can get as well as statutory sick.