Stage 2 sickness review without stage 1

[muriel]

I've been on long term sick leave for poor mental health since February 2024. I am due to return next week. I have received an invitation to a stage 2 sickness review to attend this week.

I have never had a stage 1 meeting. My manager gave me a list of meetings that were apparently Stage one and reviews, but the were never called that. They were called "wellness meetings". They were never accompanied by any formal paperwork either.

I had a look at the policy and there are no exceptions when the employer can start from stage 2. Is that allowed?

Can they hold a stage 2 when I'm still off sick?

[ULA]

It will be the policy that sets out how they deal with sickness reviews and when they can start stage 2.

You say that you have been asked to attend a review next week and that you are returning next week, so have they arranged this for when you are back?

[muriel]

Hi, thank you for your reply. My first day back is Tuesday. The meeting was arranged for this Friday while I'm still off sick.

[ULA]

I would suggest that you email them, explain that you still signed off sick and can the review meeting be delayed until your first day back, next Tues.