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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think ringing in sick every day with covid is ridiculous

53 replies

Hopelesslystuck · 22/12/2021 10:17

Tested positive at the weekend and now isolating alone with two small children.

Notified work straight away and informed them of the isolation period.

AIBU to think having to ring in sick every day is a bloody joke?

I get that it’s standard policy but when we all KNOW the period of time we have to stay home is it really so unreasonable so think some common sense should apply?

I’m wasting my time and my managers calling daily to say “still have covid” 🤦🏻‍♀️

OP posts:
Chloemol · 22/12/2021 11:04

No I don’t. We had to do this, although a large organisation, because who knows you may just be making it up and be in holiday

Original poster
Hopelesslystuck · 22/12/2021 11:06

Both me and my two children have tested positive- I can WFH but not with the children here.

They know this!

Thankfully the children are well, I am not great but can manage to look after them. I wouldn’t be fit for work even without the children here.

Admin wise I understand there is different records required for emergency leave to care for the kids v sick leave but at the same time I’m on full pay regardless so I’m just baffled at the lack of common sense.

It’s a small thing but it’s adding a very tedious job every morning!

OP posts:
TwinkleTwinkleLittleStarFightr · 22/12/2021 11:07

Having to actually phone in sick every day - with or without covid - is bonkers. Notify when you are absent, and again when you are back. Companies that have the “phone every day before 0830” policies are a nightmare and don’t trust their employees.

WorraLiberty · 22/12/2021 11:09

@Hopelesslystuck

Both me and my two children have tested positive- I can WFH but not with the children here.

They know this!

Thankfully the children are well, I am not great but can manage to look after them. I wouldn’t be fit for work even without the children here.

Admin wise I understand there is different records required for emergency leave to care for the kids v sick leave but at the same time I’m on full pay regardless so I’m just baffled at the lack of common sense.

It’s a small thing but it’s adding a very tedious job every morning!

Have you asked if you can stop doing it?
Original poster
Hopelesslystuck · 22/12/2021 11:13

Oh and I have forwarded the positive test results - they know I’m not lying! Wouldn’t be much of a holiday - stuck at home over Christmas with two kids when we had so many plans after a proper shit year.

OP posts:
PhoboPhobia · 22/12/2021 11:14

@daimbarsatemydogsbone

What weirdos would say YABU?

I bet they are compliance and or HR wonks. The ones who insist you take a test every year that says shit like

Q. Is it OK to take bribes at work?

A) Yes
B) No

This made me laugh - I have just finished my mandatory training this morning along these lines!!
Original poster
Hopelesslystuck · 22/12/2021 11:16

And yes I have asked if it’s necessary to call every day - indeed it is 😂

I’m probably just grumpy because our Christmas has gone to shit and this tedious jobsworth attitude has pissed me off.

OP posts:
Redcrayons · 22/12/2021 11:17

Unless you have a sick note for a period of time we have to do the same.

We can WFH so it’s possibly a bit different because you could work.

MrMrsJones · 22/12/2021 11:21

If you have had both jabs and a booster, it might just be both jobs, you only need to isolate for 7 days now

MrMrsJones · 22/12/2021 11:21

jabs.....

BringMeTea · 22/12/2021 11:30

Yes the 7 days after 2 negative tests I think.

Original poster
Hopelesslystuck · 22/12/2021 11:33

Have two vaccs but no booster and PHA have called to advise 10 days. So annoying at this time of year but at least we aren’t very unwell. I’ve accepted our fate now!

OP posts:
CheshireKitten123 · 22/12/2021 11:35

OP,
If it's work policy and in your contract of employment then you need to do it.

But I agree it's bonkers Confused

WonderfulYou · 22/12/2021 11:47

YANBU but I’ve heard a lot of places of work doing this so it’s not just yours being difficult.

123becauseicouldntthinkofone · 22/12/2021 11:54

As a manager i wouldn't expect you to call in everyday. i did do some welfare calls as my team were not ill ill and were happy for me to check in on how they were doing and if they needed anything. no work discussions took place though.
i would expect some contact before your isolation is up just to confirm that you will be back in work at the end or if you need further time off.

ClaudiaWankleman · 22/12/2021 11:58

What would happen if you didn't call in?

I suspect not much. Maybe a reminder email on your return.

Bavarois · 22/12/2021 12:00

@ClaudiaWankleman

What would happen if you didn't call in?

I suspect not much. Maybe a reminder email on your return.

An unauthorised absence and potential disciplinary in my work... Wouldn't recommend this
daimbarsatemydogsbone · 22/12/2021 12:04

@WonderfulYou

YANBU but I’ve heard a lot of places of work doing this so it’s not just yours being difficult.
Indeed - there are lots of workplaces with stupid rules.
happychristmasbum · 22/12/2021 12:06

It's quite an unusual clause.

Most employers say you have to call in sick on first day and then "as agreed with manager" after that. A sensible manager would say, call me on day 9 of self isolation to let me know how you are doing, and if you think you will be well enough to come back when that's over.

ThePlumVan · 22/12/2021 12:20

Don’t do it.

Wait for any comeback so you can point out their ridiculous foolishness.

melj1213 · 22/12/2021 12:22

It is absolutely bonkers to think that you have to call in for a mandatory isolation period, but I guess the fact you could WFH makes it more complicated as you may have to isolate but could, in theory, WFH and so by calling in every day they are ensuring that they are coding your absence under the right "allowance".

I work in a supermarket and normally if you go off sick then they will ask you when you will be back - if its something like gastroenteritis/migrane etc then they do ask you to call in every day, as it is something that doesn't have a set return date.

However, if it is something like covid isolation, it is a set period - whether you're ill or asymptomatic, you have to isolate for 10 days minimum - so you can in on Day 1 and they record it on the system, which generates your return date automatically and you are just asked to call the day before your isolation ends to confirm whether you will be returning or are still ill.

thickthighs73 · 22/12/2021 12:26

You’ve answered your own question, it’s standard policy (for your employer) Yes YABU what does it take 30 seconds to call?
Probably took you longer to type this post

kokokokokokokokoko · 22/12/2021 12:29

phone the evening before and leave a voicemail they can pick up first thing every day.

quietinhere · 22/12/2021 12:41

You aren't being unreasonable in thinking it's a bloody joke. I think that too. But don't fret about what is a very first world problem.

RoyalFamilyFan · 22/12/2021 13:13

@daimbarsatemydogsbone

What weirdos would say YABU?

I bet they are compliance and or HR wonks. The ones who insist you take a test every year that says shit like

Q. Is it OK to take bribes at work?

A) Yes
B) No

That made me laugh. I have had to do that quiz.