Hey guys need a point in the right direction with a situation as regards to returns to work after a period of illness. Basic summary can elaborate further if required. OH is FTE with a 37hrs per week contract, been there approx. 4 years. Due to ongoing medical issues was recently (and generously I think) given a 4 week period of best described as rest leave which was fully paid and without the need for medical certification as was at the suggestion of the employer. Idea was then to return to work next week however following a review meeting yesterday they have stated that they feel it will be better to return on reduced hours of approx. 27 hours per week for a month. This is despite OH feeling ready to return full time but as its only a month is reluctantly happy to do this despite the reduction in take home pay and this again will be reviewed at the end of this period. My question(s) are can the employer insist in reduced hours for this period and possibly future periods despite there being no medical note suggesting a phased return and her wanting to work her contacted hours? If they can insist on this is there an obligation then to pay the contracted hours rather than the suggested working ones based on this would be their decision not supported by the employee or on recommendation from a doctor? Thanks in advance guys/girls my HR knowledge is way out of date and to be honest in any phased return I have dealt with in the past usually resulted in the employee being paid the contracted hours regardless of hours worked during it.

i have been off work with stress for two months and now the doctor has given me a fit note to return but on reduced hours for up to eight weeks, my company have sent me to an Occupational Health nurse who also reported that a phased return would be of benefit. However the HR dept will only support reduced hours if i take the rest as annual leave or if i don't have enough left can take absence with no pay! Has anyone got any advice if i can challenge this or have had similar experience.

I have been unable to work since November last year and went on sick leave from my company, I am improving at a good rate now and my doctor has stated that I can do a phased return to work if I feel ready. I have discussed this with my manager and have agreed to do 2-8 hours a week for the first 6 week and then 16 hours thereafter... I started claming esa in April and now have my new sick/fit note to say i can do a phased return will i still get esa while I am doing this as 2-8 hours paid is not enough to survive on? Also will I be entitled to the return to work credit if I am going back to my previous job role in the company or does it have to be a new job to be entitled to this? I assume if my esa continues while i do my phased return for 6 weeks this time still under a fit/sick note still contributes to time on the benefit which will end up being over 13 weeks which is the criteria for this return to work credit? I find the whole thing so confusing and a lot of hassle, be glad when i'm fully back at work! Would be grateful if anyone could advise. Thanks for reading.