Expected to work despite being unwell

[LEMtheoriginal]

I feel fucking awful yet the expectation is that I will pitch up again tomorrow for another 10 hour shift where my feet won't touch the ground. I'm exhausted and everything hurts despite paracetemol. Coughing up all manner of shite. Had to change contracts recently and despite working there for years I am on six months probation and won't get paid if I go sick. My line manager made it clear today that she would be less than impressed if I went sick tomorrow as a member of staff is on holiday. I am dead on my feet - going to bed soon in the hope that I'll feel better in the morning but really??? I don't want to be a grown up anymore

Going to work when you are ill will only slow down your recovery.

It's shite, isn't it.

Yep - yet it is expected. Not jyst if myself which is why viruses spread like wildfire. Oh unless you're senior management then if you feel a bit run down you can take what time you need

Turn up and plan a melodramatic collapse in front of clients / customers / whoever. They might take you seriously then.

What job do you do?

Rosenarene - I did that the last time I was sick! I actually vomited at the feet of one of the visiting bosses that I had a meeting with. I repeated I really didn't feel well "just a few more questions" you asked for it !!!

I hate this. I used to have a boss who made it clear that she believed nobody was ever too ill to work - she loved to tell everyone that she TWICE worked through pneumonia and tore up doctor's notes. Those with a cavalier attitude to health shouldn't be allowed to manage people.

I've literally had no sleep! I've been up all night coughing and my throat is agony. I really want to call in sick but I know my name will be mud.

Call in sick. You could have this Aussie flu.

Call in sick and start looking for a different job as well when you feel better.

I would say this is more of an issue:

*”...despite working there for years I am on six months probation.”

What the hell is that about?

How often do you call in sick ? If you've been there years then you should have continuous service despite moving roles within the same organisation.

Khali - that is a good question and not sure it's even legal tbh. However both myself and a colleague had to sign the new contract in order to change roles. This is due to a corporate takeover. I'd be interested in folks opinions on this. It most certainly isn't a reflection on my work.

I've been sick once previously in August last year - finally allowed home after literally puking at someone's feet ! I can't remember a previous incident of sickness

Aussie Flu??? Ahhh no this is like Ebola and diphtheria rolled into one.

However the fact I'm able to post on my phone means I'm able to work

Not an expert but you should have been TUPE'd into the new company therefore keeping the same terms and conditions.

TUPE

The probation thing sounds iffy. If you are a good employee, surely they will not fire you, even if you being sick is awkward for them.

I hate this attitude towards sickness. Sickness is part and parcel of life. If they cannot cope with normal levels of staff sickness (in mid-winter!), then they are understaffed. That is a management failing.

Call in sick and stay in bed, your I'll, they'll get over it

However both myself and a colleague had to sign the new contract in order to change roles. but your continuous service is covered by TUPE. They are taking the piss, speak to your Union rep or ACAS. Also look for another job!

Am I allowed to ((Hug)) You LEM ?

I really feel for you

Waggy we were tuped but I took on a new role (even though I was due to do this anyway) with training and as such had to go over to their contract. It's shit - I've lost so many benefits :( I'm going to see out my training and leave

LEMtheoriginal you maybe on probation for your new role, but you are still entitled to all the rights the continuous service gives you.

Don't go in. If you're looking to move companies anyway because they treat you so badly, then it won't harm you.

Can you email your boss, cc'd to HR, 'Last time I ignored my illness and came in, I threw up over X's feet. I have no intention of repeating that. It would be a disservice to the company to spread this virus.' And stay home, in bed.

I hate this new bullying mentality that staff should work as though they are robots not humans. Any big company should be able to cover for a while.

Thy tried something similar with me once. Made minor changes to the role and told me I had to reapply FOR MY OWN JOB! I refused. They said it was an HR requirement. I said as far as I was concerned I was doing the job well - if they thought so too, then they could keep me on - otherwise I'd go.

There was NO WAY in God's heaven and earth I was going to reapply. They kept me on.

Go off sick until you are all better and if there are any times if the day you feel a bit better, get some advice from the cab or acas. Unpaid sick and doesn’t sound right at all if you’ve been with the bought out company for years.

It sounds as though they forced you to sign away your employment rights. Can they really do that? Are you going to be seriously financially destitute if something happens?

Send an email explaining how you are feeling and what happened last time and for the reputation of the business you cannot have a repeat performance. Then make the phone call to say you’re not well enough to work.

Phone in sick, your health is more important.

Let’s see how your boss reacts when you’ve passed the bug onto them!