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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:
rvby · 18/02/2020 20:36

I probably take off 1-2 days sick every 4 months. I work from home occasionally due to sickness, inclement weather (not in UK), waiting for a delivery, etc. I go home early, work at night sometimes... it happens.

But the thing is, I came into my job fully qualified, have never missed a training /deadline /client meeting,. I added value at my place of work within 2 weeks of starting there. I needed no training.

You are in a precarious position OP... they've been paying you since October and you still can't show that there was any point to them spending money on your wages... why on earth would they keep you?

You might be lucky and they can't be arsed training someone else.

In any event, if you're pregnant soon then I suppose it's a moot point for you. I feel a bit sorry for your employer who may be taking a risk, paying you and hoping it will get better. Small business owners don't have it easy.

Isithometimeyet0987 · 18/02/2020 20:36

I own a Performing Arts school and if one of my teachers took that much time off they would loose me hundreds of pounds refunding classes I would have to cancel classes I couldn’t get cover for as finding cover (who are actually qualified to teach that class) at short notice can be very hard at times and I can’t be in two places at once if I’m already teaching other classes to cover you, you also would have lost me students due to classes being regularly cancelled and people getting fed up. I can’t get over 5 days off for the cold that would of been the last straw for me. Sorry op but I would have fired you by now, I’m my opinion your lucky to still have a job.

flowery · 18/02/2020 20:36

There are about 22 working days each month. A couple of days a month is more than a month off every year.

I’m very unimpressed that you’re trying to find fault with your employer. They’ve kept you employed despite your appalling attendance record and have actually paid you for all this time off although they have absolutely no obligation to do so. That is by anyone’s definition exceptionally generous and supportive.

Russellbrandshair · 18/02/2020 20:37

If you missed some important training last week, having already missed so much you didn’t pass probation on schedule, why do you imagine you’re in any position to pass it now?
You seem completely clueless, and forgive me saying; not a particularly great asset to the company that they’d be anxious to keep you

This. Plus you then have the nerve to constantly ask if the employer is breaking rules lol. I’m sorry but with that kind of attitude I doubt your career will go very far, not when there are other people hungry for work and keen to contribute to team working.

ilovedjerrymore · 18/02/2020 20:37

I’m sorry op but I wouldn’t be happy with employing you still after reading your updates. Your last employers were very understanding to let you work from home and have sick days every single month! My work would never allow that! Many businesses like mine would not be able to have employees taking time off like that as it would affect business and cost money to the company!

You really need to go back to the doctors to sort the period situation as clearly your still struggling to work each month which means it’s not under control.

I would start looking for another job so you are prepared, and please don’t kick off at your employer if they do decide to let you go as to be honest you have brought this on your self. Sorry again to sound harsh but it’s true.

marashino · 18/02/2020 20:37

5 days last week due to a heavy cold.

5 days for a cold?! Get some coffee and paracetomol inside you, plenty of tissues and go to work unless you are doing a job like being a carer where you are told not to go to work with colds.

Metaplasia · 18/02/2020 20:37

My friend's mum died while she was 2 months into a 3 month probation period. She had 2 days off, they don't have a bereavement policy so they didn't take her on because she had 2 absences. I know that's an extreme example and a shite company but I'm actually shocked that they've extended yours! They sound very tolerant or you must be very skilled in something extremely niche.

ClientQueen · 18/02/2020 20:38

@MrsMelanieHamilton definitely. If anyone comes in with a heavy cold/sore throat etc luckily I can sit on my own in the hallway (agreed by work) as it's too risky for me to sit in an air conditioned recirculated room with people who are struggling in sick

MarthasGinYard · 18/02/2020 20:38

Off constant sick and next you'll be on mat leave by sounds of it.

You'd be my worst nightmare to employ.

Hercwasonaroll · 18/02/2020 20:38

A day off a month is a ridiculous amount though. You need to get your periods sorted.

ButterflyBitch · 18/02/2020 20:38

I haven’t read the whole thread so apologies if this has been mentioned but have you tried tranexamic acid for your periods?

TrixieTheWhore · 18/02/2020 20:39

Why did you leave your old job? Could you not return to your old job?

To be honest they sound extremely unusual allowing you 2 days a month out for a period. I have never worked anywhere that would allow that.

MaryLennoxsScowl · 18/02/2020 20:39

Genuinely curious what your mother needs to do for you while you have your period when you have a partner already and are a grown adult?

SammySmyth · 18/02/2020 20:40

Sorry OP, I'm not sure what line of work you're in but we wouldn't employ you and to be honest we'd be looking for a way to manage you out of the business.

Apologies.

user1473878824 · 18/02/2020 20:40

OP, did you get to work from home in your last position because you’d had so much time off they had to work around you?

Whynotnowbaby · 18/02/2020 20:41

You are taking far too much time off- that has been established! I think you were very lucky your precious employer let you work from home during your periods. If I were you I would tackle this head-on. Talk to them before they talk to you. Say you know how bad your sickness record is, that the cold was an anomaly and you want to work with them to find a workable solution to your periods. Could you work at weekends to make up for days missed? (Obviously depends on what sort of workplace it is) could you offer to do an hour a day overtime to make up the hours you missed when you are off sick? Both these solutions would mean you were putting in all the hours and essentially working flexi-time to cover your sickness rather than inconveniencing your employer. I think you really need to be proactive in suggesting how you can be instrumental in resolving this situation or they will have no choice but to dismiss you.

MrsMelanieHamilton · 18/02/2020 20:41

@ClientQueen it’s actually really selfish. I’d much rather someone took a couple days off to recover than came in spreading their germs around and acting the martyr. You don’t know if colleagues have compromised immune systems, or have family who do.

daisypond · 18/02/2020 20:42

It might help to realise that the average number of sick days in the U.K. is just over four days in a year.

BeaLola · 18/02/2020 20:42

Wow - can't believe your comments . I'm glad I don't work with you - you don't sound proactive about it just easy come easy go - you seem to have the kindest employer I've come across. 2 days off every month and then a week bc with a cold - I'm amazed they are still employing you .

Bearbehind · 18/02/2020 20:43

I’d much rather someone took a couple days off to recover than came in spreading their germs around and acting the martyr

I didn’t realise period pain was contagious 🤔

Sonichu · 18/02/2020 20:43

I don't think I've had ten days off work in my entire working life. And yes, they absolutely can fire you without warning or reason during your probation.

bluebunny123 · 18/02/2020 20:44

If I were one of your colleagues I would not be happy having to pick up your slack because you were off sick again Hmm
And I think it's really unfair of you to have only been in the job a short while knowing you would be trying for a baby meaning you'll leave for maternity leave before long

bogbabe · 18/02/2020 20:45

You say
They said they are confident that I should meet the required standard by the end of February.
And
I missed some important training when I was off last week. Should I be worried?

Sorry but yes you should be worried.... You probably know yourself whether you are up to standard yet, but taking 5 days off for a cold when you knew you would miss training important enough to be crucial to keeping your job is not a good sign to them that you actually want the job enough.
Be honest and mature with yourself - would you keep you on if you were the boss?

MrsMelanieHamilton · 18/02/2020 20:47

*@Bearbehind I was referring to PP who stated they came into work with heavy, colds and anyone who didn’t was a lazy shirker.

The heavy periods are a different matter entirely.

Bearbehind · 18/02/2020 20:49

But they are linked mrs - the cold in isolation wouldn’t have seemed so bad if it hadn’t been the 4th absence in as many months

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