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Original poster

Work colleague off sick but on holiday

113 replies

Toomanyfecks · 25/09/2025 22:29

We have a work colleague in our small team that goes of sick (fully paid) with mental health or physical health prior to going on annual leave to lovely places.Its happened 4 times now at least. When they are in work they are mostly great, if a little intense but the pattern of absence has been noticed by all our colleagues but not management it seems. Am I being unreasonable to be at my wits end with what appears to be someone taking the mick??

OP posts:
Agix · 26/09/2025 08:08

Of course management have noticed
They probably just have more context than you do.

Either bring it up with your manager if it's causing the team concern or extra work, or keep your noses out.

Bjorkdidit · 26/09/2025 08:04

Piss takers gonna piss take. I had a colleague who was 'sick' remarkably often in the school holidays. Thankfully she left.

She was with us about 10 years and must have spent more than half that amount of time on maternity leave (3 x 1 years) plus multiple periods of long term sickness absence.

Everyone knows who's at it but a lot of employers just won't tackle it and everyone else ends up doing their work for them.

AgnesX · 26/09/2025 08:01

Of course it's annoying when people appear to be taking the piss.

There's not a lot you can do about it really. Management will undoubtedly have noticed but equally there's not a lot they can do if she's got a sick/fit note.

Ineedpeaceandquiet · 26/09/2025 07:58

Once might be coincidental, anything more than that, they are likely playing the system.

Don't they have a 'return to work' interview after the absence?

HelplessSoul · 26/09/2025 07:58

Keep your beak out.

Got sod all to do with you.

Dontlletmedownbruce · 26/09/2025 07:58

That would really piss me off. I'm guessing management are aware but I think you should say something discreetly. At least then you've done what you can. You might have to accept nothing can be done though.

soupyspoon · 26/09/2025 07:55

Its not uncommon, it happens in lots of work places. Nothing you can do OP, their own manager will be monitoring and likely not really able to do anything

How can you prove the persons isnt unwell. If they're signed off sick by the GP and that covers the time they're on holiday, well then they're on sick leave and just happen to be on holiday as well

OH or HR wouldnt touch it with a barge pole because there'll be all sorts of claims of discrimination or bullying or such like.

Yamamm · 26/09/2025 07:55

It’s very hard to manage this type of absence if the worker keeps their absences below the ‘trigger points’. And even if they have high levels of absence but get fit notes it’s also nearly impossible.
If people have no shame they can just do it. There is nothing you can do about it. Except a cathartic winge on Mumsnet.

summerlovingvibes · 26/09/2025 07:52

Are they actually on holiday / abroad when they are off sick?
Or is it in the child up / few weeks before they go on holiday?

If the first, then not ok.
If the second then nothing you can do really, but yes very annoying as they're probably holiday packing or buying!

HannahHamptonsGloves · 26/09/2025 07:51

Do you mean they go off sick a few days before their booked annual leave essentially extending their leave period? Or do they go off sick and then go on holiday while on sick leave?

GarlicBreadStan · 26/09/2025 07:49

Sometimes, people need a holiday for their mental health. But they also need money for that holiday for their mental health. I see nothing wrong with this tbh

ilovesooty · 25/09/2025 23:15

You're not their manager and you shouldn't be involved in how their sickness is managed. If they're being gossipped about management should put a stop to it.

HeadsWinTailsLose · 25/09/2025 23:12

If you’re not their manager raise your concerns with their line manager or drop it. Having colleagues gossiping about their sickness probably isn’t helping them.