[AWSAWS]

OK, this may be a shot in the dark but here goes.

I live and work in the UK. I have been off work Thurs, Fri, Mon and Tues. The head of HR has heard that I have been off ill and said that as it's 3 continuous working days that I need a doctors cert. Thats in the company's policy handbook.
UK law actually says a 'fit note' is only required for more than 7 days continuous sickness, which includes non work days (Sat and Sun). So I've not yet hit that, but doesn't UK employment law trump and company policy?

I believe I don't legally require a sick note and that I can self certify. Does anyone know my rights?

I am genuinely ill. I was given a prescription by my doctor yesterday. Then had a flare up of my condition in the early hours of this morning.

[upstatedoc]

Have your Dr. write you a note.

Do you really want to piss your company off by quoting UK law?

Not worth it IMO.

[squishy]

^X2.

If you actually went to the doctor's, just get a note and save the headache.

[Joekerr]

Yeah, if you've got nothing to hide, why not? It only looks like you are being confrontational because you have something to hide by quoting UK law back to them.

Just my two cents.

[Billup]

Just get a doctors note. Can't take you that much time just to avoid the hassle of HR strains.

[bimmette]

I'm no lawyer, but usually you have to abide by whichever is stricter- company rules or local legislation. The only way I can see you getting out of this one is if you were never given the company handbook and never signed anything saying you have read or received it. I agree that getting a doctor's certificate is terribly unnecessary and counter productive in most cases, but I don't think you have much choice today if you don't want to be reprimanded.

[kscarrol]

Unless you think it is a real privacy issue, show them the prescription to prove you are sick. Perhaps that will work... Otherwise, just get the doctor to write the required note.

[AWSAWS]

I will mention to them tomorrow that UK law says self certification is fine up until the 7th sick day, but that I can get them a note if they really want it.
They may think its 7 days plus when it's actually more than 7 days that requires it.

I have no problem showing them my prescription, dated on 27th Oct.

Such a PITA.

[Bobble]

I have an employee right now in same situation, he's been work from home for almost 4 weeks with about 4 days of actual sick time in between. Someone squawked to HR, they rattled my cage as in Cali it's 3 days bring in a note. I had to ask him to email me a Dr note or have his Dr fax in a note. Such a pain as he is working, has legitimate issues(needs to lose about 100 lbs in reality) but HR is on my butt and trying to keep them off his.
From a managers perspective just get the note it will be easier for everyone.