Is a side job allowed during illness?

Questioner

I work for a travel agency where I sit behind a computer. I have been doing this since May of this year, I have a one-year contract. From the beginning I have also been working as a bicycle courier. This is due to my unpleasant financial situation. I became ill (lump in my neck) which meant I could no longer work fully behind a computer. The company doctor advised exercise and did not see the work as a bicycle courier as an obstacle. When I was spotted by a colleague from the travel agency during (normal) working hours of that agency, I was suspended. They now expect full access to my trips and now also income from that employer. They estimate my income from September at 1300 euros. And indicate that I have to pay this back in full because I would not have been able to do this work without my sick leave. However, I have already been working (although less) as a bicycle courier since May. I have now received a letter from the company lawyer who once again asks me for the data from the past months. I was able to provide the data from the last few weeks (since the conversation and agreements about bicycle couriers), but not all the documents since reporting sick (4 September). They now expect an answer from me (in the letter from the lawyer, received on 23 November)) by Monday 13:00 at the latest. At that time, a conversation with my employer is planned.

Lawyer

I advise you to obtain legal assistance as soon as possible, so that you can be advised on what you should and should not do (or what information you should or should not provide). I specialize in employment law and also assist people pro bono (if they qualify). If you would like to discuss this, please feel free to call me (06-30575754). You can try to reach me before 13:00 tomorrow.