I work for a company who says they won't accept sick calls

[ElektraLOL]

I have an ongoing problem with a slipped disc in my back. It flairs up every now and then and I have a very physical job. So yesterday my back was hurting all day at work and today I'm in so much pain I'm going to the out of hours GP. I can't even drive. So I call in sick to work to be told they will not accept sick calls today because they are too busy. This is the first time I've ever called in sick in any job I've had. I physically will not be able to do the movements involved. I told them I'm self certifying and i will not be in.

IABU to think this is not usual workplace behaviour? I have heard from others that they will always try to bully ill people into work.

[Hahaha88]

That's ludicrous. They can't make you work. If you're sick you're sick

[DantesInferno]

So how are you meant to let them know you wont be in?


Is there an HR manual?

[megrichardson]

I would start looking up the law if I were you OP. I hope you start to feel better soon.

[hidinginthenightgarden]

How odd! They probably know that they won't get any cover due to nice weather so are trying to put you off in case you are trying it on.

Make sure you get a sick note from the doctor.

[QuitMoaning]

I don’t understand. I don’t call in sick unless I really can’t work so it is irrelevant whether they accept or not. Saying they don’t accept wouldn’t change the fact that I can’t work, if I could work I would be in.
Just get yourself well and then, as soon as you are able, back in to work.

[TheMobileSiteMadeMeSignup]

That is ludicrous. They can't force you to go to work. If they give you hassle get in touch with ACAS or your union if you have one.

[ElektraLOL]

I will send an email if necessary and I'm pretty sure I will get a doctors note. I'm seeing the out of hours doctor today. I'm in constant pain and it's a miserable existence.

[ElektraLOL]

'They probably know that they won't get any cover due to nice weather so are trying to put you off in case you are trying it on.'

This happens to everyone regardless of weather. They always say they can't accept sickness. It makes me angry because I actually hate having time off sick and you feel as though they are accusing you of lying.

[Shostakobitch]

The attitude towards sickness and working in this country is bloody appalling. Almost every job I've been in has treated sickness like some kind of personal failure and most people I know will battle through sickness to get to work no matter how bad it will be for them because they know they will be looked down upon otherwise.

Sorry to rant OP but your work is ridiculous. Look after yourself and when you're healed you can return to work, I hope they sort you out with some good painkillers today!

[EdithWeston]

It's a public holiday which will have led to a number of staff being on booked leave anyhow), plus it's a nice day.

So of course they're going to be sceptical of people who ring in sick. Keep anything which proves you saw the doctor (you self certify for first week, but I think in your case it would be prudent to get something in writing even if they recommend a shorter absence - even a note from the receptionist confirming the appointment would do. This is because as it is over a holiday weekend).

You need to tell your work you are attending a medical appointment today, and will advise them of the outcome as soon as you can.

In the longer term, as you don't want to ruin your back permanently with further stress/damage, it is probably time to start looking for a different job which does not cause the same physical stresses. It would also have an added benefit of getting you out of a place which has a rather unpleasant attitude on occasions.

[IStillMissBlockbuster]

What company is this OP?

[Passthecherrycoke]

The fact they don’t “accept” sick calls is neither here nor there surely? You’re sick, you tried to call in. If they don’t want to “accept” it that’s their problem

They sound completely dim

[IsolaPribby]

So what will they actually do if you don't go in?

[ElektraLOL]

I don't know what they actually do but I think it's just bullying. I have a good reputation at this job- I won an award as well. I always work extremely hard and management knows this.

It's just what they say to anyone and everyone who calls in sick. I tried to hand in my notice a while ago but my manager convinced me to stay.

[HaudYerWheeshtYaWeeBellend]

How long have you worked there for.

They cannot not accept sick leave, they are frankly talking out there arse.

[gamerwidow]

They have to accept your sick call because you’re not going in.
They can choose to discipline you afterwards depending on their policies but if you have a sick note I don’t think they can legally dismiss for one episode of sickness.

[Passthecherrycoke]

Blimey. Time to leave? Sounds like it won’t be a problem to find a better company/ role

[Tunnockswafer]

Suppose you have had a car accident and while undergoing surgery, your dp phones in for you. Are they still expecting you to come in? There is nothing they can do to make you come in.

[gamerwidow]

P.s. I can understand why you might want extra evidence for short notice sick leave on sunny bank holidays but you can’t just refuse to accept people are sick

[ElektraLOL]

Yes if they discipline me that's up to them. I can't control their response. I just know I cannot work today. I can hardly move it's awful. I'm hoping the doctor will give me some diazepam to loosen my back.

[ElektraLOL]

They said 'I was told yesterday by X that I must not accept any sick calls today'

Basically, hardly anyone ever calls in sick because their bullying of staff usually works.

[MrsMozartMkII]

So you have bubonic plague and they'd still not accept a 'sick call'. Barking mad! How the hell do companies expect to have people committed and caring if they're constantly being treated like this?

When I have world domination then I shall ensure all companies get their heads out of their arses.

OP I hope the painkillers kick in very quickly.

[Roomba]

How long have you worked for them, OP?

They can get rid of you for any reason in the first two years as long as it isn't for a discriminatory reason (ie because you're female/disabled/pregnant/Asian/Christian/gay etc). They can't just say they won't 'allow' you to be sick though! They have to abide by employment laws whether they like it or not. So they either accept you are sick, or fire you, I suppose. What are they going to do - come round to your house and physically drag you to work?

[ElektraLOL]

I've only been there 6 months. So yes they can get rid of me if they want but then they'll be very short staffed 🤷🏻‍♀️ they are already using agency.

[gamerwidow]

To be honest it sounds like the person you spoke to is coming down hard because they are scared about what management will do if someone is off sick.
Once your case gets referred to actual management I think they’ll realise that you’re not just trying it on.