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Original poster

To think I will be dismissed for sickness record?

999 replies

nojob · 18/02/2020 19:02

I started a new job last October with 3 month probation. I was told in January that my probation was to be extended for 2 months 'due to absence' as I'm not fully trained up yet and haven't been able to demonstrate I can meet the required standard. They said they are confident that I should meet the required standard by the end of February.

I have been off sick for 10 days in total (2 days in November, 2 days in December, 1 day in January all due to very bad periods and 5 days last week due to a heavy cold.). Can they decide not to pass my probation even if my performance is ok? They haven't said anything yet but I get the vibe that they are not very supportive of sickness. I missed some important training when I was off last week. Should I be worried?

OP posts:
Original poster
nojob · 18/02/2020 19:03

Forgot to say I've name changed

OP posts:
altiara · 18/02/2020 19:05

I’d be worried. If you’re not fully trained by now, they can’t rely on you to do your job.
Have you sat down with your manager and checked your on track and asked for extra training?

TomeOfSomething · 18/02/2020 19:06

10 days since October? I'd be worried too

MimiLaRue · 18/02/2020 19:06

Youve just started a new job and have been off sick every month so far. Of course they are going to be concerned. Its not about "supporting sickness" its about them worrying you'll be doing this on a regular basis and it will become a pattern. That means your co workers will have to pick up the slack which is not fair on them, it also means youve missed important training. If your periods are that bad, you need to go and see your GP and get something to help. Otherwise, you'll be taking time off sick every single month and no employer is going to be down with that.

DontTouchTheMoustache · 18/02/2020 19:07

Its hard for us to say and completely down to your employer unfortunately. It is a significant amount of absences, most places would have you on at least a verbal warning by now so it will certainly be taken into consideration.
Have you been to a doctor about your periods? If they are so bad they are impacting your work could there be something they could do?

thenightsky · 18/02/2020 19:07

Are you public sector? If so there will be a sickness policy that is very black and white in what will happen if you taken so many periods of sickness over a certain period.

Tatty101 · 18/02/2020 19:07

That's a lot of sick in just 4 months

Wonderbag · 18/02/2020 19:07

Did they say that about being confident you’d reach standard before or since you were off last week?

Thing is, training staff is quite an expensive investment - I expect they are very concerned now.

Original poster
nojob · 18/02/2020 19:08

They have said my performance is ok it's just taking longer to train me up because I've been sick. Can they just fire me out of the blue?

OP posts:
WinterCat · 18/02/2020 19:08

I think you need to be self referring to Occupational Health. Do you have a known condition that causes painful periods?

Spanglybangles · 18/02/2020 19:09

Quick answer...yes, you should be worried.

In reality, it depends on the sickness policy. At my workplace there would have been a meeting after a third absence in 6 months, you have exceeded that in 4 months which isn’t exactly great.

5 days off for a heavy cold is a bit much really. Have you seen your GP re period issues? If not, they could maybe help.

Butchyrestingface · 18/02/2020 19:09

Do you have an underlying condition affecting your attendance, OP? Or is this just a run of bad luck?

5 days off for a heavy cold seems extreme, and I say that as an asthmatic.

Belleende · 18/02/2020 19:10

Yeah, 5 days for a cold is taking the piss. If you have bad period pain every month, then ask for adjustments. If I was your manager l would be very hesitant to let you pass probation.

Runningonempty84 · 18/02/2020 19:10

If I were you, I would be worried as well. I say this as a manager who has had to deal with similar HR issues due to sickness during a probation period.
10 days off sick in four months is a lot, OP. If I were your manager I'd be worrying you weren't well enough to do the job. Is this sickness out of the ordinary for you? If your past sickness record is clear then that could help.

SkaLaLand · 18/02/2020 19:10

Three months employed and you've already been off sick for 10 days as three separate absences?

My place would have you gone before now and they are really very supportive generally.

A probation period is the time to show your very best self to an employer in order that you keep the job, unless I was dead I'd be in and working.

A period is not a reason to be off work. Take some painkillers, double up on protection and get your behind into the office. Sorry.

Original poster
nojob · 18/02/2020 19:10

Did they say that about being confident you’d reach standard before or since you were off last week?

Before - at my initial probation review in January

OP posts:
gingerscot · 18/02/2020 19:11

Off every month since the start and 5 days for a cold? Yeah, you’d fail your probation at my work place with no notice.

Justgivemesomepeace · 18/02/2020 19:11

Where I work people are dismissed based on their attendance during probation. There are clear triggers though and you would be made aware of where you stand after each period of absence.
That is a lot of sickness and if you cant attend work so regularly due to your periods then it will be an ongoing issue. Have you seen your GP to have this looked into?

ClientQueen · 18/02/2020 19:11

My probation at my job was extended due to sickness. I've been off about every 3 months but I have an underlying condition which I declared at interview. I'm usually off with loss of voice/tonsillitis type stuff

Surfer25 · 18/02/2020 19:11

I'd be worried about all that time off for minor ailments

Periods and a cold?!

See your dr for stronger meds for your periods and use painkillers and decongestants

Bubblemonkey · 18/02/2020 19:12

I legit think my manager would laugh at me if I called in with period pain despite having endometriosis... she’s told me I look shocking several times over the last few days & I still wouldn’t even consider calling in 😬

threecatsownme · 18/02/2020 19:12

Your still in probation and have a Bradford factor high enough to be half way through disciplinary processes.

I'm sorry op if I was your manager I wouldn't have even extended the probation period, the fact they have thrown you a lifeline and you rang in sick again is shocking.

You've brought this on yourself.

Ilikewinter · 18/02/2020 19:12

So you haven't managed to work a full month.....yes I would be worried. My employer allows 1 absence whilst in probationary period so you would have already been dismissed. In fact i cant believe your still employed.

1Morewineplease · 18/02/2020 19:12

You need to get your periods sorted. You can’t keep taking time off work for heavy periods. You can’t keep taking time off for them every month.
I’d also question a whole week for a cold, if I’m honest.

MimiLaRue · 18/02/2020 19:13

*I'm sorry op if I was your manager I wouldn't have even extended the probation period, the fact they have thrown you a lifeline and you rang in sick again is shocking.

You've brought this on yourself*

I agree with all of this.

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