Mfcttrf

So, I was recently off for two days due to flu, post weekend, and I'm now returning to work. I have to complete a self assessment form, and complete an interview with my line manager. This is the policy set for all instances of sick leave regardless of length or reason.

Upon reviewing the self assessment form I was somewhat set back by the questions:

This must be specific. For absence related to dependants or compassionate, details of the relationship should be provided. For absence related to illness words like ‘sick’ or ‘ill’ will not suffice.

Followed by

Did you receive medication from

1. your doctor Yes [ ] No [ ]


2. 
   

   self prescribed from chemist Yes [ ] No [ ]

   
   
   

   Please give names/details of any medication being taken, prescribed
   or
   otherwise:

   
   

So, my question is... Is it common practice to request such granular level of detail such as medication for basic office work (software development) sick leave, and are you at liberty to provide it?

I can't fathom what they would even do with the medication information given we don't employ pharmacists.

Update:
Posting from UK, England.

Thanks

They can ask but you don't have to answer - as your absence was less than 7 calendar days simply stating that you were not well enough to work is sufficient.

To quote acas:

If a worker is absent due to sickness for seven days or less they can self-certify their absence. This means the worker informs their employer that they are not well enough to work and do not need to provide any further medical evidence.

(emphasis mine).

That said there are circumstances where the granular detail of medications you describe is appropriate - e.g. where your role includes driving or operating Forklifts or other heavy machinery. Basic office work? Not so much - it's going to be very difficult for any employer to prove it's reasonable to know what you were/are taking, and the same goes for symptoms - they are only pertinent when it could affect your ability to perform the role or the safety of yourself or others at work. Even then it's not a right for them to know this information, at worst they can seek a Fit Note from the doctor.

The text of the form is likely a boiler plate one designed to cover all scenarios rather than specific to you or this employer.

Is this a hill worth dying on in this particular case? That's going to have to be your call - personally for something this trivial I would probably just answer rather than get into it.

A Return to Work procedure is standard and common place, but listing the provided medications is odd - but not illegal or unethical.

If you're on medication that can possibly affect your performance, such as pain killers, you can use this form to pre-emptively cover yourself by informing your HR department.

BUT

This information falls under the Data Protection Act and is sensitive information, and should only been viewed or accessed under proper circumstances. Posting this information on an intranet site or otherwise without prior consent is in direct violation of said act.