my doctor has not released me to return back to work

First, do you feel like you are able to do your job? Or, are you needing to still be out? If it is a close call, I would tell your doctor about your circumstances and see what he thinks about whether you could be allowed to return earlier. If you have exhausted your leave and you are being treated the same as other similarly situated employees who have had to be out, then you may not have any protection. If you are being treated differently, then you might have grounds that should be examined more carefully. As for drawing unemployment, once you are able to work and you meet the standards of being available, then you probably will be ok. Your employer might be willing to work with you on this question, as there might be a way you could arrange things so that they would not be charged. A lawyer who practices frequently in this arena can help you with this.

posted by Reagan Weaver  |  Nov 14, 2011 07:59 AM [EST]