colds, flu and other illnesses
- Am I allowed time off work to see my doctor? more...
- Do I need a doctor's certificate? more...
- My child is sick and I need time to look after him/her, but my employer is refusing. Do I have any rights? more...
- My employer has warned me about my level of sickness absence although I have medical certificates. What are the implications? more...
- Do I get paid when absent on sick leave? more...
- I've been off sick for a long time. What should I do? more...
- In my workplace loads of us get colds. Could it be caused by our ultra-chilly air conditioning? more...
- Can our company try to save money by leaving the heating switched off later and later every year, and telling us to 'wrap-up'? more...
- We are told we can only have two days off sick a month. Is this right? more...
- We have 'duvet days' but they come off our annual leave? more...
- Our bonus scheme pays out more if you haven't had any days off sick. Is this right? more...
- Should my company be able to phone me on my work mobile if I'm home sick? more...
- I'm losing my voice. Can I do it any damage by still working? more...
- How can I avoid catching my colleagues' winter illnesses? more...
- What's the best way to shake a cold? more...
- Should my employer offer me a flu-jab? more...
- I often have to work outside, even when it's cold. Is there a minimum temperature for working? more...
further information
Are you a 'mucus-trooper'?
How do you handle minor illnesses at work? Take the workSMART online quiz now to see if you're a 'mucus-trooper' or a 'model patient'.
The TUC’s sickness absence and rehabilitation web pages, in the Health and Safety section, have guidance, news and advice. tuc.org.uk/h_and_s
Hazards magazine has information on sickness absence and rehabilitation, including news and resources. hazards.org/rehab, hazards.org/sickness
The UNISON publication Making us better: Sickness absence agreements: A guide for branches and safety representatives is available for download in the resources section of the UNISON website. unison.org.uk/resources