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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Mum ringing in sick, for my junior.

452 replies

KungFuPandaWorks · 13/05/2019 16:19

I arrived at work before just checking on the diary and paperwork, and notice one of the junior hairdresser isn't in. One of the stylists (S1) informs me the junior is poorly today.

No big deal we all get poorly, until another stylist (S2) chips in that her mum called on her behalf, and that she's off sick because of a high temperature.

I think it's highly inappropriate having someone ring in on your behalf unless exceptional circumstances (unconscious, hospital, no voice etc) but for a high temp?

S1 thinks that because she's only 16 that's it not so bad that her mum calls on her behalf and I should let it drop.

Myself and S2 think it's absolutely ridiculous she's had her mum ring in on her behalf. Not to mention it's not exactly the greatest reason to be off.

AIBU? WIBU mentioning to her, that in the future she must ring herself unless she is totally unable in doing so.

OP posts:
Original poster
KungFuPandaWorks · 13/05/2019 17:07

Hop the fact that She's aware of the procedure. That's what.

You all keep saying she's 16, a 16 year old who came for the interview of her own back. And quite frankly amazed me in the interview, that's why I'm a bit perplexed as why she thinks her mum ringing in is acceptable. And her mum hardly made it sound like she was seriously ill, from the words of my stylist it almost reminded her off when you'd beg your mum to ring in school saying you was sick, or writing a bogus gym note.

I am genuinely hurt some of the things being directed my way. I've been called horrible and power tripping amongst things. I honestly think that's unnecessary, and if you knew me you would know I'm one of the most caring and sofest people you could meet.

OP posts:
goodwinter · 13/05/2019 17:07

"Absolutely ridiculous" does suggest annoyance...

Anyway, I'd mention it to her when she gets back - just remind her what the policy is.

Everydaypeople · 13/05/2019 17:08

Well the attitude you continue to display on here speaks volumes.
Do you want a medal?

Original poster
KungFuPandaWorks · 13/05/2019 17:08

azul she's done her exams. She turns 17 soon.

mother Where on earth did I say bitch? We was discussing it.

OP posts:
Myworstnightmare123 · 13/05/2019 17:09

I honestly think that's unnecessary, and if you knew me you would know I'm one of the most caring and sofest people you could meet

You really don't come across this way on the thread OP

steff13 · 13/05/2019 17:09

Breathing her germs all over you? Its a high temperature not the flu!

A high temperature is a symptom of many contagious illnesses, including the flu.

Original poster
KungFuPandaWorks · 13/05/2019 17:10

girl you can't compare measles with a high temp. That's ridiculous.

everyday I'd prefer a trophy.

OP posts:
Bellatrix14 · 13/05/2019 17:10

Haven’t read the entire thread, but to me once you’ve got a paid job (even if that is an apprenticeship) then you call in sick yourself. She is 16 yes, so she’s legally old enough to have a baby and move out. She’s old enough to tell her boss she’s not very well! Hmm. I would let her know when she comes back that she needs to it herself next time.

Agree you shouldn’t really be discussing it with her colleagues though, unless they are her line managers.

geraniumjam · 13/05/2019 17:10

Surely you should model the behaviour you want her to display. That is not to question the authenticity of her illness and not to talk about her to her colleagues.

A quick reminder that she needs to do the phoning would suffice, but I wouldn't put it past her colleague giving her the heads up that you are annoyed, before you get the chance.

Original poster
KungFuPandaWorks · 13/05/2019 17:10

my look back at my old threads and then come back and say I'm not. The way some are acting you'd think I've threatened to flog her when she comes back.

OP posts:
Everydaypeople · 13/05/2019 17:13

Try having a bit of professionalism and compassion.

GnomeDePlume · 13/05/2019 17:13

To answer the question of when do you stop cutting her a bit of slack.

When she has had a bit of experience and been put right when she has gone wrong such as in this situation. You tell her that next time she needs to call/text depending on what your protocol is. Remind her to go through the manual to brush up on your rules.

She's an apprentice, young and inexperienced in the world of full time work.

goodwinter · 13/05/2019 17:13

Tbh I think your employee would be just as hurt to hear you all discussing her absence, saying it was "absolutely ridiculous" and comparing it to a fake sick note to get out of PE! I hope no customers were around to overhear that kind of talk.

crazymare20 · 13/05/2019 17:16

A high temperature is a valid reason to be off work. My husband was hospitalised for three days due to a high temp that would not budge, turned out to be meningitis. If you have a temp your body is fighting something nasty and you shouldn’t expose others to that.

eurochick · 13/05/2019 17:18

I think it's worth having a chat with her. She might not realise the differing expectations between school and workplaces. In education you usually have to have a parent ring in for you and calling yourself would not be acceptable.

LizzieSiddal · 13/05/2019 17:18

If this were my DD, I would have only called in for her if she was asleep as I wouldn't have woken her up, if she was ill.

If she was awake and could talk, she should have called in herself.

Coolegary1 · 13/05/2019 17:19

Is it just me , I think I like this boss , direct but fair and we'll able to stand her corner.

Meh, a little mention is enough op as you said before.

Motheroffeminists · 13/05/2019 17:19

Oh, sorry, discussing it with the rest of the staff. That's still unprofessional. She's 16, what's your excuse for not being professional?

nokidshere · 13/05/2019 17:21

i don't get why it matters who calls in to work when you are sick. Its not like the employer will make a difference to the outcome of the call. The person calling in is hardly likely to turn round and say 'oh yes sorry i was just trying to pull a sickie'.

The reason she is sick also doesn't matter. She could say anything she wanted on the phone and yo u have no way of knowing if that's true or not for any member of staff who rings in.

A temperature is a valid reason for feeling poorly and staying home. If you have a temp you are clearly fighting off something.

As for all the 'well i'd go in unless i was dying' brigade, more fool you.

SarfE4sticated · 13/05/2019 17:21

I guess it's good she has stayed away with a temperature, you wouldn't want her giving your customers anything. Just tell her to call herself next time. Maybe it's her mum that's not letting her deal with it herself?

Nishky · 13/05/2019 17:23

So it's not very professional of her to have her mum phone in sick for her, but you think nothing of having a good old bitch about her to your staff

Just what I was about to post - two adults slagging of a 16 year old in presence of another member of staff. Poor management

Reddedder · 13/05/2019 17:23

People are being harsh. She’d get a telling off at my place of work. She’s 16, not 6.

nokidshere · 13/05/2019 17:23

And you are being very unreasonable and unprofessional discussing it with other members of your staff.

viques · 13/05/2019 17:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BelindasGleeTeam · 13/05/2019 17:24

Maybe she thought if her mum called you'd believe her and not think she was pulling a fast one.

Maybe your attitude means she feels she needs that backup?

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