NSW What is the gravitas of a doctor's certificate?

[dylanlt]

This is a situation I am coming across for a second time in NSW while working for the federal government. The employee was asked to get a doctor's certificate regarding COVID-19; this employee has a genetic condition which significantly exacerbates the risk. The employer was hoping that the doctor's certificate would essentially dismiss the risk but the doctor has clearly indicated that the risk is life-threatening and the employee should continue to work from home, as he has been for the last 3 months quite successfully. The employee has dismissed the doctor's certificate as irrelevant and is proceeding with terminating the employee's contract. This is certainly unethical but is it legal? What weight does the medical advice carry for a contractor?

 

[Rod]

The employee needs to get proper legal advice.

Much depends on the facts of the matter. The certificate can be irrelevant (eg employee was stealing from the employer) but without the facts I can't say.

 

[Tim W]

You don't mean gravitas, you mean credibility.
In one sentence, why are the proposing to sack you?