What are the employment laws when signed off sick?

My boyfriend has been signed off from work ill for nearly two months now. At first his employers left it, but after a couple of weeks kept calling him, just to "see how he was". He ignored the calls, so they kept leaving voice-mails, telling him he faced disciplinary action when he returned to work.

His current sick note doesn't run out for another 2 weeks, but today a letter arrived special delivery, saying that they want him to attend a meeting at his work place to discuss his position there.

So where does he stand legally? I didn't think he could enter the building, but is that only if he's going there to work?

Answers from the UK only please.
Additional Details
His employers have been recieving his sick notes as the doctor has been giving them, and he called them after his appointments, so they do know the whole situation.

bud

as long as there is a sick note there is nothing the employer can do, they might just want to know how long it will be before he goes back to work because they can employ someone as a temp until he goes back.

gail

If your boyfriend was signed off sick then his doctor has said he is unfit for work.
Most companies have sickness procedures and policies which state that the person must communicate with their employer to inform them how they are and if they have any indication when they are going to return. This also gives the employer the opportunity to work with the employee in getting him back to work.
Try to look at this from his employers point of view they have received a sick note that says very little about your boyfriends illness, they are trying to run a business with one man short.
What do they do get a temp in? Hold his job open? Is he going to return ? They just don't know.
They have tried to contact your boyfriend but have received no response which is why they have sent him a letter.
It was a bit harsh inviting him in for a disciplinary but this depends on what he has been signed off with.
If this disciplinary would add to his illness with worry then he can write and ask for it to be held when he is better at a later date.
But your boyfriend is probably at fault for not contacting his employer and keeping them informed.

Buddha

There is no reason why he shouldn't enter the building. It does feel like harassment when you are off sick and someone keeps calling but they are within their rights and he really should speak to them.

Alan G

Your boyfriend should have answered his employers calls that way his employers would have had no need to take the actions they have. Your boyfriend would be well advised to meet with his employers otherwise it would give his employers even more reasons to take actions against your boyfriend

retired gentleman

He should not have ignored any
calls from his boss, that puts him in
breach of his contract,
I personaly was lying in a hospital bed
when my boss came to visit me (I thought that was descent
of him ) but it was only to tell me I had no job, as I was no use to him lying in hospital, hope you boyfriend keeps well now, and there is a better tribunal service now, than then..
and ofcourse he can enter the building if he is fit enough to attend a meeting which they have asked for, and he may like to take an advisor (union rep ) with him good luck...

dels replies

Well it is rank bad manners not to keep his employers in the picture as regards his illness. Who does he think is doing his job. They are entitled to know , and seem to be acting reasonably. If he does not cooperate he risks having his employment terminated, Would be his own fault.

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