Only a couple of centuries ago, catching a cold might have led you to an early grave. If you didn’t die you’d be sent away to the country to spend several months recuperating in a convalescence home. Today – mainly thanks to Alexander Fleming and a mouldy dish – things are rather different. Catch a virus in 1999 and you won’t get much more than a box of Kleenex, a couple of paracetamol and a day in bed. The word ‘convalescence’ has virtually disappeared from the English language: now it’s ‘a day off work, if you’re lucky’.Getting sick is an inevitable part of life, but you won’t see any job adverts offering tea and sympathy if you’re ill. Believe it or not, your company isn’t even legally obliged to pay you if you can’t make it in to the office (though most do for a certain period of time – it’s wise to check your contract). A doctor’s certificate will entitle you to statutory sick pay for 28 weeks, but at a measly (if you’ll pardon the pun) £57.50 per week, it won’t match your salary. Continue reading…
Source : theguardian.com
Read more…How to… take time off sick without making yourself ill with worry
