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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Funguy · 19/02/2020 17:49

I am sorry you have painful periods, I did too and used to be terrified each month as I would end up in bed and would throw up due to the extreme pain and bleeding.
You do need to get medically checked and some meds sorted out.I had Ponstan and eventually Cyclokapron for heavy clotting.
You do have my sympathy but I have chronic pain from fibromyalgia and I would crawl in if I had a cold tbh.

Diamondsareforever123 · 19/02/2020 17:49

Yes I'd be worried, that's a lot of sick time when you' haven't been in a new job for very long. The whole point of probation is for the employer to find out if you're going to be a good employee. I know that sounds harsh but I'm afraid that's life! If you look at it from their point of view they want paying someone to do a job well. Is there anyone you can talk to at work? Perhaps see your GP?

Figamol · 19/02/2020 17:51

Depends. If you are a strong worker whilst you're there or have a skill set I really need I'd be willing to overlook it but I'd honestly be looking for another job if I was you or at least trying to get your health under control so you can have an honest conversation with your employers. I've also had periods that meant I had to have a couple of days off work every month, in the end I was diagnosed with adenomyosis and endometriosis and had a hysterectomy. If you're going to keep your job you need to assure them this is a temporary issue and you're working on it. 5 days for a cold is a bit 'millenial' with warning lights tho.....

pollymere · 19/02/2020 17:55

I got signed off for 13 days after being in a job a couple of months. Often it's more about patterns and you have a monthly one. A week off for a cold also seems a lot, sorry.

Wheresthetimegone · 19/02/2020 17:56

Unless you have an underlying condition that makes your periods so much more painful than every other woman's I think I’d have dismissed you before now. I used to manage staff, the odd ones who were forever taking a couple of days here and there , very disruptive to the whole team are the worse ones. Unreliable. You need to make more effort.

johnmartinday · 19/02/2020 17:57

If I were you I’d record every on paper so you have something to go back to in case it’s relevant.
Before they let you go - as you have already done your three months probation period and as they have added another two months into it - they should have put this into writing as these are formal procedures they must demonstrate they have followed. Moreover if you are already onto the added probation period they have to demonstrate they have spoken to you about your level of sickness as a concern and have tried to do everything possible before they can fire you otherwise it’s unfair dismissal. Telling you need more time and more training is not demonstrating they have spoken to you about the possibility of letting you go. This should be in a policy and procedure company handbook.
If you are suffering from a reoccurring condition it may well be covered under the equality act 2010 in which case they need to be aware of it. Ask your GP?
We have been through a bad period for serious colds since December and I know of many people who were off sick because of severe cold. I was also suffering from severe cold and I should have taken a week off work but I didn’t but that was a personal choice.
With regards to the comment it is taking the p* only applicable if you weren’t sick and if you were then disregard that comment. No one should feel ashamed of anything if it was legitimate.

Lincolnfield · 19/02/2020 18:00

Sorry to say I agree with some of the other posters. Probation means the employer can dismiss you and doesn’t even have to give you a reason. There’s no way they’re going to keep you on.

Rachel709 · 19/02/2020 18:01

Unless you are serving public or have to talk a lot I don't see why you be off for a cold.

wasmarriedtoacockwomble · 19/02/2020 18:02

You should be worried. That’s an awful lot of time off. I have many crappy medical conditions and I am in constant pain and haven’t taken anywhere close to that amount of time off in just over a year! You need to get to your GP about your periods if your saying they’re that bad. As for taking 5 days off for a bad cold? Im really sorry but I’d have given you your notice by now

Bearbehind · 19/02/2020 18:02

The lack of understanding and empathy towards women who struggle and suffer with their periods is, as always, utterly depressing.

I don’t think people have been showing a lack of understanding or empathy

They’ve simply been saying you cannot expect to take 2 days off every month for it, because your employers can’t and won’t tolerate that, which even you’ve agreed with in your next comment

LightJewel · 19/02/2020 18:04

Think ... if it was the other way round and ur business ... I would not kerp u on ....

Original poster
nojob · 19/02/2020 18:05

Thanks @johnmartinday that is very helpful!

OP posts:
johnmartinday · 19/02/2020 18:06

She’s past her three month probation period and if more time is added to it then the rules change slightly and they have to follow procedures including having a formal conversation with her about the possibility of letting her go. The law is there for a reason.

Mumgonenuts2020 · 19/02/2020 18:10

Has your manger provided you with a copy of the absence policy, there is normally trigger points over a rolling period of 12 moths so everyone’s comments are correct, 10 days in your first month is very high, they have been correct to extend, but normally this is no absence during the extension, the 5 days for the cold was this after your probation was extended. Also the impact you are having on the team is also a concerning . Missing the training is a cost implications connected from the businesses point if you, especially the nature of the illness is also reviewed as well. The sickness is normally unpaid at this early stage. Have you raised the periods of the reason for your absence with your LM. Also your GP he or she should be aware and supporting you with this issue too.

JustDanceAddict · 19/02/2020 18:14

That’s a lot of sickness. Five days for a cold is OTT. Maybe the first day if particularly bad, but otherwise, dose up.
If you need time off for periods then that needs to be looked at medically.

Bearbehind · 19/02/2020 18:15

PMSL - the only post the OP has responded to in pages and pages is one trying to help her make out it’s the employer who’s in the wrong

JustDanceAddict · 19/02/2020 18:16

And yes, I’ve struggled w some gynae and health probs but there is treatment out there.

ilovemyskunks · 19/02/2020 18:17

TrixieTheWhore I use tranexamic acid for very bad periods. I used to have to take changes of clothes for work my periods were that bad, it was literally like having my waters broken. Tranexamic acid has worked for me.

Original poster
nojob · 19/02/2020 18:20

She’s past her three month probation period and if more time is added to it then the rules change slightly and they have to follow procedures including having a formal conversation with her about the possibility of letting her go. The law is there for a reason.

So if they have a formal conversation and I don't call in sick again then maybe my role is safe?

OP posts:
littlekerry8 · 19/02/2020 18:21

Yes they can fire you and probably will

74NewStreet · 19/02/2020 18:22

I wouldn’t get too excited about what. johnmartinday told you, op. It’s far from “very helpful”, it’s pure bollocks.

WinterCat · 19/02/2020 18:22

So if they have a formal conversation and I don't call in sick again then maybe my role is safe?

Not necessarily.

Aglet · 19/02/2020 18:22

You have been off sick far too much. If everyone took time off sick for the reasons you gave, the country would be on it's knees. You don't sound at all responsible.

MangoFeverDream · 19/02/2020 18:23

No one should feel ashamed of anything if it was legitimate

Massive assumption there and I love how OP came back for just this comment.

Her employers are going to totally regret hiring her. I feel sorry for them, especially as she may drag them through a bunch of procedural crap now!

cloudchaos · 19/02/2020 18:24

No, OP. johnmartin hasn't been helpful, it's incorrect advice.

For the first 2 years they can let you go for any reason as long as it's not discrimination and you're paid your notice period and they are not in breach of contract.

They don't need to follow any procedures at all.

You said they are a small business. Just have some consideration of them trying to make a living and go into work.

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