We have an employee who is quite sick and has a medical certificate covering them for the whole week, however, the employee is choosing to attend work against the doctor’s advice. What are my obligations?

We have an employee who is quite sick and has a medical certificate covering them for the whole week, however, the employee is choosing to attend work against the doctor’s advice. What are my obligations?

There may be exposure for an employer where they allow an employee to continue working whilst unfit for work, and particularly where they are covered by a medical certificate for the period. In this circumstance it would be prudent to advise the employee to return home for the remainder of the period, or to re-visit their doctor for a re-assessment if they believe their condition has improved and they are fit for work. An employer may consider paying for the costs of this re-assessment.