Had about a day off a year until the "run" started in November. Never late once and I washed my cup after having a coffee

Great news then.

Looks like their dumbarse HR Manager will be looking for a job sometime in the future

You let yourself down though mate, washing up. You nancy boy

I will tie up with someone legal over the next few days. I see no reason I don't have a solid case. The kicker was when I went into work, although signed off, on Friday to call some customers and catch up, the new guy was already at my desk...

That must have absolutely awful

I really like the guy too. He was gutted. I shook his hand and wished him all the best! I am angry now!

Actually you didn't do yourself a favour going in to work whilst still on sick. They can [and probably will] try and use it against you saying you were fit enough to work. Your Dr will argue that point though

Make sure you take lots of notes, include dates and specifics i.e. who the chap was who was at your desk as this demostrates they made a decision even before they'd discussed things with you

Maybe you should apply for the HR Managers job

I had to go home some of the few days I went in. One day I fainted! I realise it was a mistake but I didn't expect a shafting, I was just trying to keep the customers in the loop and stay in touch

To be fair you can't be angry with him. He was doing what he was told.

Technically the company has a right to ask someone else to cover however as a long term solution, it should be agreed with you and then the role advertised so as to demonstrate it was not a "fait accompli"

They haven't been very bright have they

If they had informed me first and kept me on the same salary they could have gone through the motions and got away with it. I am a while from fit. They jumped the gun and I feel sure I have a case. I will find out.

This gets better

So....you were on sick leave, which presumably they knew about, and you had a sick note, which presumably you provided, and they let you work and you fainted

The tribunal will have a field day with these clowns

On the downside, and joking apart, depending what job / industry you're in depends whether you'll be "frozen out" of the job market for taking it to tribunal. Businesses stick together and Brissy is a small market.

Good luck mate, not that you'll need it

My industry should be ok. I know their competitors and I have a few customers in my camp. I should have no issues getting another job when I am fit but I will do anything, may even go out on my own. I am 43 and this is my first time claiming benefits, it feels strange.

Sounds like a plan

As for benefits, mate you've been ill and that's what they're for. Hope things are soon on the up, including the cumberland

The rest is true but I lied about the sausage!!

Chippolatta then

That's Bernie!