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Original poster

HELP - what do I do?

54 replies

dueiohuio · 26/07/2018 21:27

I haven't been in my job long - under 5 months. I've been trying to get a new role as a) I'm not keen on the role and company b) I want more money c) I want better hours.

I've been offered an interview at a good company....but it's next week. I work 9 - 6, and the interview is about 30 miles away from the office, so to go I would need to take annual leave.

I asked for the day off, and my manager said no, it''s too short notice (they want a months notice for annual leave requests). They said no to a half day too. They said the only exception would be if it's a medical appointment but I'd need proof. I'm a terrible liar and have no proof so I can't do that.

So...wtf do I do? I'll feel terrible to miss this opportunity.

I can't just take the day off unauthorised as I'll probably get sacked (I'm not in a position to be out of work), and the other company said they can ONLY do interviews on this particular day. I can't throw a sickie, as they'll realise this was the day I wanted off and put 2 and 2 together. All sicknesses are investigated with back to work interviews and scrutiny.

Advice please? Sad

OP posts:
RandomMess · 26/07/2018 21:29

They have to let you take time off for an interview but then they could also serve you notice...

Original poster
dueiohuio · 26/07/2018 21:31

@dueiohuio They don't have to give me time off unless I'm facing redundancy (which I'm not). I obviously don't want them to find out it's an interview as they will definitely sack me.

OP posts:
delphguelph · 26/07/2018 21:31

Take two days off sick? Go to the interview then if you're really desperate for proof go to docs and say you've had gastro for a note?.

Sounds like an awful company

moanykids18 · 26/07/2018 21:32

Just go sick. They can't prove anything.

MrsGarethSouthgate · 26/07/2018 21:35

@moanykids18 They don't need to prove anything, they can terminate her contract regardless.

RandomMess · 26/07/2018 21:36

Urgh Sad

TheSerenDipitY · 26/07/2018 21:36

i wouldnt normally suggest you lie but ummm dont you get to go to maternity doctors appointments and they cant ask for proof? perhaps you are pregnant? and can go to an appointment on that day at that time? you never know?

Bombardier25966 · 26/07/2018 21:37

They have to let you take time off for an interview but then they could also serve you notice...

No, they don't.

Take two days off sick? Go to the interview then if you're really desperate for proof go to docs and say you've had gastro for a note?

GP cannot give a fit note for the first seven days, you have to self certify. And you don't waste NHS resources for made up illnesses.

I'm not sure what to suggest OP. If you go sick they can't prove you're lying, but they can dismiss you anyway, and probably would on the balance of probabilities. Is there anyone you could swap a shift with, or is it not that kind of role?

Original poster
dueiohuio · 26/07/2018 21:39

@Bombardier25966 It's not the kind of job where I can swap shifts :/

@TheSerenDipitY I'm not pregnant

OP posts:
Bombardier25966 · 26/07/2018 21:39

i wouldnt normally suggest you lie but ummm dont you get to go to maternity doctors appointments and they cant ask for proof? perhaps you are pregnant? and can go to an appointment on that day at that time? you never know?

Are you suggesting she then tells them she's had a miscarriage? That's beyond vile, I can't believe anyone would suggest it.

Shaboohshoobah1 · 26/07/2018 21:40

Is there any way you can re-arrange with the new company? Tell them what you have told us? It’s worth a shot. I can’t think of any other way round it... tricky one. Hope you can get it sorted.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 26/07/2018 21:41

A months notice for annual leave? Is there a way of making an acception ...eg. “have to look after a family member?” Take your request higher in the firm, maybe if you kick up a fuss they will understand it’s important and wave it through

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 26/07/2018 21:41

Exception

Original poster
dueiohuio · 26/07/2018 21:41

The other company says that's the only day they're doing interviews :( It's hard because I know it's not their problem

OP posts:
Original poster
dueiohuio · 26/07/2018 21:42

@OnlyFoolsnMothers It's a small company and the highest people approve holidays

OP posts:
TroubledLichen · 26/07/2018 21:42

Just lie and say you have a GPs appointment. Its not like you usually get proof of an appointment if you make it over the phone and nor will the doctor give you a sick note unless they’re signing you off for 7 days or more.

Original poster
dueiohuio · 26/07/2018 21:43

GP appointments have to be at the start or end of the day, and they don't expect people to be more than half an hour late. As the job is 30 miles away, I would be at least 2 and half hours late....

OP posts:
TroubledLichen · 26/07/2018 21:48

Now I understand why you are looking for a new job.

How about the smear clinic with the practice nurse is set times and that’s the earliest slot they offer? If your boss is a bloke it might get him off your back and it sounds halfway plausible...

HardAsSnails · 26/07/2018 21:49

Can you explain to the interviewers and ask whether they can do it by Skype?

laptopdisaster · 26/07/2018 21:49

then if you're really desperate for proof go to docs and say you've had gastro for a note?.

FFS, yes, of course do that. Because GPs are really quiet, not at all busy and you wouldn't at all be stopping someone who is actually ill getting care. I despair.

Shitonthebloodything · 26/07/2018 21:50

Say you have a smear booked but wanted to avoid the embarrassment of asking for the time off for it or something. Or a double appointment one at 9.15 one at 11 - urgent, can't be missed. Most GPs always runs at least an hour late.

pinotnoirismyjam · 26/07/2018 21:51

Can you tell the company you are interviewing at that you've not had your leave request approved, and ask if you can interview by phone/Skype instead, then do it in your break?

Poolpurchaser · 26/07/2018 21:52

Could you contact the company you have the interview with, explain the difficulties in taking time off to attend and suggest a phone or skype interview and do that in your lunch break?

I can't see any alternative which doesn't risk your current job unfortunately. The new co may say no but it's worth a try.

Firsttimemum892 · 26/07/2018 21:53

Call in sick the day before and the day of the interview they can’t prove anything

Lifeisabeach09 · 26/07/2018 21:53

Not everyone is able to book a doctor's appointment before work...can you say the doctor's appointment is mid-morning and you're unable to reschedule?