Experience of applying for new job after Sick Leave?

[newsparklythings]

I am wondering how difficult/easy it would be for me to apply for and get another job after being on Sick Leave for 6 months in this one.

I have an ongoing MH issue classed as a disability, but this has never affected my work performance. It has caused a reaction from colleagues leading to bullying and when this was not dealt with by managers (I was essentially told to stop showing the signs of my illness) the GP put me on Sick Leave.

I am due to go back and supported by a Union (it's public sector) and HR in what has happened. However my immediate management seem determined to make it difficult and I have no doubt this will continue when I go back.

Just wondering whether I have any chance of getting another job at a similar level elsewhere once a prospective employer knows I have been on Sick Leave for so long.

[daisychain01]

If you have a disability you should escalate this via a grievance because harrassment is against the law. Does you manager and HR know about your disability?

You might be able to push things so they are forced into offering you a different post on your return.

[newsparklythings]

They do know - it's been made clear by OH that they would consider me to have a disability under the Act etc etc

So far I have not issued a grievance because I don't think I can handle the stress of doing that - I'm honestly just managing my health and still struggling, so I don't feel it's an option

I just wonder whether things would be different somewhere else, and whether anyone would consider me or whether once you have been on Sick Leave like this it is the equivalent of a black mark on your record - if anyone knows.

[newsparklythings]

I might try posting on Chat and see if there any employers with a view..

..I hate posting on the really public boards, my anxiety makes me paranoid my employer will read it and know who I am.

[UpLighter]

No one can say either way really.
It wouldn't bother me IF I believed the story, thought you were genuine and was right person for the job.
Some people I would suggest will see the amount of time and not consider further.

Hard place to be in. Know it's tough but you should follow the process to secure the rights afford to your situation.
Stay strong

[SandLand]

Yes, i know a lady who got her new job whilst signed off for similar reasons. She was open at interview about how it was the environment she had been in that had caused the issue, and was offered the job. 5 years on, she has been very successful in the new role.

[newsparklythings]

Thank you both. Have posted in Chat trying not to give too many details so will see who responds there. uplighter yes.. I suspect from my private sector background that I'm less likely to get a job there, whereas the public sector tends to be more strict in hiring processes. In general.

The interview process itself would be a struggle with anxiety, I've done it before but know I don't come across as myself I get so very nervous. Could do with an interview coach or something like that.

[UpLighter]

I say to everyone, don't assume of someone else because you will never know because you never tried.
Apply and interview. Even if you don't get it, you have learned. Worrying about it gains you nothing (easier said that done I know).

[UpLighter]

When I said process I was meaning about the grievance process with your current employer.
Doing that can be hard but you would do it for the right reasons.
No one should bully anyone and even more so when it is about a disability. If the management aren't addressing it then they need to learn why the rules are there and the consequences of not following them. This will now only come from a grievance being raised.

[newsparklythings]

UpLighter what are the consequences though, for management even if the grievance is upheld - a slap on the wrist? I'm not so sure my current manager would care, and is well connected within the organisation, possibly so much that they are going to be protected from any negative consequences. The union and even HR have said that what has happened is definitely wrong, but I'm not sure what I could hope to achieve from it, and the stress might easily make me more ill.

[newsparklythings]

I understand what you are saying about continuity of service.. yes that is something I would lose by going somewhere else. Even if I can find another perm contract.