Does my employer have a right to force me back to work?

[Anonymous]

I injured myself at work nearly 2 weeks ago, and now my employer wants to see me with a rehab consultant. I've been going to physio (had 2 appointments so far) and he said he recommends another 2 weeks off and see where I'm at then, it's a slow and stubborn injury.

My employer called to check on me, and when I mentioned I'll be off for another 2 weeks she sounded shocked and surprised.
I feel like tomorrow that her and the rehab consultant will try and back me into a corner and try to make me come back before I'm physically able to - she keeps saying "it's recommended that workers come back sooner rather than later" and I get where she's coming from but I'm not capable of carrying out any physical duties. Going back at this point in time would be like running over my own foot.

Any advice?

[Pete671]

This is bullying, say the physio has FORBIDDEN you to return to work, I'm in UK so maybe law is different if you not, but a sick note is actually a legal document,,,

[Asker]

Yeah it feels incredibly pushy, and almost dangerous - I could return and potentially do more damage. I can't even make my own bed let alone return to my physically demanding role. I'm in Aus so it's very similar I'd imagine, I also see my GP the day after who can confirm my capabilities. It just seems manipulative.

[Pete671]

Yeh, if GP forbids you from work, there is just no argument to return, it's not your decision, it's the GP mate,,,

[Asker]

Good to know! Glad to know I have a leg to stand heading into tomorrow's meeting.

[Pete671]

Good luck with meeting, are you in a union? if not say no comment to any question, takes some balls to do so but any Aussie bird I've ever met has been hard as nails,,,

[Asker]

No union :/ I'll be firm and straight to the point with them. And they'll just have to be happy with that lol

[Asker]

Thank you for the help! :)

[Uptowngirl88]

They're bullying you. Speak up for yourself

[Asker]

I will be telling them tomorrow that I'll be back when I'm given the okay to and no sooner. I just didn't know if I was being paranoid about it and overreacting. Thank you! :)

[Anonymous]

I don't think that's legal.

[Asker]

It shouldn't be. I feel like she's trying to go around it and guilt me - bringing up that my clients are asking where I am etc

[Opinion Owner]

HR would like to hear about this.

[Asker]

She is also HR management :'(

[Opinion Owner]

Oh crap.

[Asker]

Yeah a little messy! Thank you for your input :)