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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to worry whether my referee for a job will be asked about my sickness absence

9 replies

happyyonisleepyyoni · 02/05/2013 14:54

I have just been offered a job subject to references.

Unfortunately I had 4 weeks sick leave earlier this year due to a viral illness. I understand pre-employment health questionnaires are no longer allowed, but could my referee - current line manager -be asked about my sickness record?

Thanks any HR experts out there :)

OP posts:
StealthOfficialCrispTester · 02/05/2013 14:58

I thought they were allowed to confirm sickness on issuing an offer. We used to get sickness reoxrds at interview and that's what's no longer allowed

Still, your sickness doesn't sound bad. It's a long period, but if its the only one in a while I'd be fine with that, assume you were unlucky

Original poster
happyyonisleepyyoni · 02/05/2013 15:04

THanks, I don't know about that. Apart from that my sickness record is fine, it was a one off.

OP posts:
Caitycat · 02/05/2013 15:07

Don't know but I'm sure if they can ask they will ask for number of occasions and one long block will look much better than a day or two every month - don't worry, you are allowed to be ill and although I don't know I would be amazed if they are allowed to withdraw an offer because you were ill if refs are otherwise good!

squoosh · 02/05/2013 15:09

I agree that a one off longish illness would be less alarming to a potential employer than lots and lots of Monday morning illnesses.

Original poster
happyyonisleepyyoni · 02/05/2013 15:16

Hope you are right. Its sods law that after years of not being ill it had to happen just before this great opportunity came up...

OP posts:
ParadiseChick · 02/05/2013 15:19

I wouldn't worry about it depending on the job or employer they might not ask about you sickness. If they do you would probably be given a chance to explain it if need be but like others have said one incident is a lot better than lots of one days.

StealthOfficialCrispTester · 02/05/2013 15:25

That really wouldn't put me off . I've not been off since 2004 but if something like that happens, it happens and I'm not stupid enough to think it couldn't happen to anyone. A day or two at a time, most months is a lot more concerning.

x2boys · 02/05/2013 17:27

We are actually told at work [NHS] that one long period with sick notes looks better than a day or two off every couple of weeks should be fine

ilovesooty · 02/05/2013 17:43

I agree: I'm sure everything will be fine.

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