Employee providing proof of sickness?

[Cosmo100]

An employee who we have had a lot of trouble with in the past informed us they would be taking a day off to go to a hospital appointment. Whilst we would not prevent this, we seriously doubt this is where they are going.

Are we within our legal right to demand to see proof (i.e. hospital appointment card or something else) of this appointment?

[nclarke]

If you're their employer, shouldn't you already know this?

[Cosmo100]

Yes I know, I was just posting on here for fun. Thanks for the informative reply though.

I do THINK I know what I can do, but as this is an employee who we have had trouble with in the past I wanted to make sure I have a 100% concrete answer.

[mccfluff]

are they taking a day's holiday or sick leave?

[buildersmate]

Neither Mccfluff - read the question.
You are perfectly within your rights to ask for evidence, especially as you are presumably the employee for the appointment time.

[Twenty20]

You really need to switch to only paying SSP which would mean this employee wouldn't be paid for taking these odd days off sick. But yes, ask to see an appointment card, there's nothing unreasonable about that.

[Twenty20]

Oh, and nclarke, not everyone knows everything about all things so sometimes it's good to double check.

[mccfluff]

i did read the q buildersmate, Cosma said they would be taking a day off - where i work it will be classed as a sick day or holiday, hence the reason i checked.