To think my boss can’t ask for pictures of child’s injury

[Hurtburt]

My little boy has just started walking, he hit his eye on a table This happened yesterday and it wasn’t too bad. Today I was due into work but his eye was blood shot, he had a massive black eye and he just looked awful. I told work I needed to take him to the hospital to be checked over. Work at first said okay. Then my boss text to say do I have any pictures of his eye? I feel like that is crossing the line, I’ve been here 5 years. Am I being unreasonable to think they can’t ask this of me?
My manager has now said we will have a meeting tomorrow for a chat

No way would I be giving them a picture of my child. Says a lot for them that they can't trust their employees at all. I'd be looking for a new job asap

I agree. Log everything. Send the picture with a written note asking why they want to see it, and ask for a written response - dated.

I wouldn’t send any pictures. If the child had D&V would OP be sending them pictures too or samples? I don’t think the manager has thought this one through properly.
OP Good luck with your job search!

I've had a lot of child related absence this year.

Single parent. Kid born into the "stay home, save lives" era, now in nursery picking up every cough and fever known to man. Having to isolate because that's the guidelines whereas pre-covid would have sent him in. Other bugs he can't be sent in for like D&V.

Even my boss wouldn't ask for pictures of an injury, but I wouldn't disclose nature of the illness. I would just strictly state I need time off for a dependent, then if necessary, present a certificate of attendance from whichever establishment was needed. Otherwise work can lump it, my kids my priority.

This is so awful op. Safeguarding/data protection aside! Dreadful company! Hope your son is ok.

Don’t send a photo! Email and ask them to confirm their request in writing as you need to take advice on it. And say you’ll be bringing someone to this ‘meeting’.
My money is on them backing right off.

@gardeninggirl68

No, no photo

You would get Carers leave at our place. Normally unpaid

Is this not a legal entitlement?

Not quite - though there is emergency dependants leave

All employees have the right to take a reasonable amount of time off without pay during working hours, in order to deal with certain unexpected or sudden emergencies involving a dependant. Dependants leave is in addition to other types of family friendly leave such as parental or paternity leave. It does not apply where you know about the situation beforehand (for example, if you wish to accompany a dependant to a pre-scheduled hospital appointment).

I thought you were allowed leave to attend to children under 5 without penalty . Log everything incase they are trying to get rid of you

Just make them very uncomfortable with your answer. I'd start with "OK so just to be clear you have requested a picture of my x year old child?"
Then ask them to put the request in writing, that will definitely get them off of your back because it's a ridiculous and frankly quite a weird ask.

@felizdia

When I had my first child, I called in to say he was poorly and I wouldn't be able to come in, my manager tipped me off and warned me to never say that my child was ill, only me, that way I would get full pay and not be penalised for the time off. I was working in education for the local council!

Which is essentially fraud if not true! As you’re claiming sick pay when you’re not ill!

This is a ridiculous request OP- I would just ask them why they wanted a photo

This makes me so cross. I bet they wouldn’t be asking a man for a photo of his child or questioning his absence.

And why are they videoing you at work, OP?

A photo isn't the right way of doing this, it wouldn't be uncommon to requite sone sort of proof though. It depends what sort of leave you are taking. A days holiday, booked last minute, then I wouldn't expect to provide anything. Paid sick leave ir emergency carers leave, I'd expect to provide an appointment/discharge letter or similar (as I did when my son was admitted for an emergency procedure) unpaid leave, again I wouldn't expect to have to provide proof

Couldn't you say, 'happy to oblige, but my understanding of GDPR is that there should be a designated GDPR officer for the company. Could you please let me know who this would be?

Absolutely do not give them a picture of the child, that’s completely out of order. If they think you’re not genuine tell them you’ll ask your GP for a copy of the letter the hospital will send detailing the consultation. They’ll have to wait for it, but asking for a photo of a child. Just no.

There's nothing to be gained by sending a snarky response. I would reply with "I won't be providing a picture but here is a discharge note,/letter from hospital/whatever"

Are you in a union? If not, join one ASAP, and start looking for a new position. They have a clear track record of poor treatment of employees.

How did it go with your boss @Hurtburt

If you need more info because they’re being uneducated dicks, then see this link regarding Parental Leave, that you are legally entitled to!

www.gov.uk/parental-leave

"GDPR!" seems to be the latest bandwagon for everyone to jump on here.

Even when they have no idea whatsoever what it actually relates to.

Like "duty of care!" MNers love that one, too.

From an employment lawyer, join a union.

With a boss like that, you may need one.

You have the basis of a maternity and potentially sex discrimination claim. Don't quit, call Pregnant and Screwed or Maternity Action tomorrow. Both have excellent free advice lines.

I love the UK. (Not) It has such wonderful medieval working practices. Totally bang out of order. The country really does need a revolution.

@JennyForeigner

You have the basis of a maternity and potentially sex discrimination claim. Don't quit, call Pregnant and Screwed or Maternity Action tomorrow. Both have excellent free advice lines.

Echoing this to contact Pregnant and Screwed in particular.

If they can't look after staff their business methods are not that great either (or at least their management layer are woeful).

Time for a better company but not before talking to P&S or similar.

YANBU

Your boss is extremely unprofessional. The whole place seems very unprofessional. Calling you 6 weeks into your maternity leave asking when you are coming back because they are busy 🙄. I'd be looking for a new job.

Good advice about contacting organisations for support. Are you in a union? Could you seek advice from ACAS? Jot down notes and dates where possible.