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Anonymous
There may be circumstances where an employee is not fit to work but is fit to do other things. The employer only has cause for complaint where the employee's other activities appear to be inconsistent with the claim that the employee is unfit for work.
The employer should carry out an investigation in these circumstances and should ask the employee to explain how he comes to be doing whatever it is whilst at the same time being unavailable for work. The employer should be careful not to leap to the wrong conclusion.
In circumstances where the employee is in fact fit for work but is on unauthorised absence this will amount to misconduct which may be sufficient to justify summary dismissal, particularly where there is clear deceit or the employee is claiming pay for that day.
Employees who are seeking to take unauthorised absence of this nature would be well advised to avoid acting as a linesman in an event watched on television by millions.
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Anonymous
Every case is different, I am sure that the policeman in question, if off for stress related illness for example, would have benefited from being a lines man. Even shopping could prove theraputic, each case is different. If the employee was shopping when the reason for being off sick is given as the influenza or back ache, then I would see this as a problem, but it all depends on the symptoms that have been described by the employee.
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Anonymous
If people are unfit for work then surely they are unfit full stop?
A recent local scandal here has an NHS consultant on sick leave from the NHS but still carrying out higher paid work for a private clinic.
Surely in cases such as this some parts of the employment contract has been broken? After all they are still being paid for the work they are not doing.
And if acting as a linesman is theraputic, does the officer in question have a doctor's note prescribing liesure activities on national television as a relief of symptoms for him? I wouldn't have thougt so.
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Anonymous
Does that explain why the Beckham elbow incident wasn't pursued - witnesses too ill to attend?
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Anonymous
I would have thought it unfair to comment when not in possession of all of the facts. After all , he may have sought permission from his employers to attend. As for acting as a linesman not being stressful, have you ever been to a football match? Having tens of thousands of people baying for your blood after a wrong decision is not my idea of a relaxing, stress free time!
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Anonymous
I agreed with all the above except for Ms.Venetico. All the policeman needs is some common sense and he should take more care in whatever he is doing especially in PUBLIC. Did he not for one moment think that he could be kicked by a player accidentally or the crowd might crash into him. He is very lucky that he is not hurt or else he may have to take long term sick leave or an early retirement package. I would really like to know what Durham Police got to say to this and especially that particular senior officer who says that it is therapeutic and helps in the police's recovery.
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Anonymous
Unless you have been in the position of one of these people it is difficult to comment.If you are so ill and stressed then normally thoughts of suicide prevail.The person does then not think rationally and they do anything to turn their horrid situation around.What could be worse than sitting at home all day unable to go out in case you are spotted by a collegue.We need to rethink our views on this topic and employers should help with counselling etc. offered at an early stage of employees illness.
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Anonymous
I am a consultant Occupational Physician, I would say that this case might be quite reasonable - depending upon the individual's medical condition. This is where good medical advice is important (and the individual's GP is not always the source of the most objective advice). It may be quite reasonable for an individual to be on holiday abroad during a period of sick leave (though they should take leave for that time!) assuming that they are on sick leave for an unrelated reason.
If the linesman was off following a leg injury running the line may be unacceptable, if he has work related stress then it might be quite reasonable. It is not appropriate to expect people to remain locked in their homes, but clear advice is essentiual to avoid confusion.
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