New job + covid

Kiopa · 2022-01-03T18:22:04+00:00

I've had a positive PCR test and feel like crap. Supposed to be starting a new job tomorrow. AIBU to take a sick day? It feels so cheeky on the first day! I'm actually not sure how I could work anyway as I was supposed to be going into the office for the first day to get laptop, log ins etc (after that would be WFH until the guidance changes) but I've now got to isolate for at least 7 days!

SwimmingIntoMotherhood · 03/01/2022 18:22

I personally wouldn't take a sick day, but postpone your start date instead

Edinvillian · 03/01/2022 18:23

Of course you can't go. When I had it I got an email to send to my work.

Jeschara · 03/01/2022 18:24

Postpone your start date, dont go into the office if you have tested positive.

TooWicked · 03/01/2022 18:24

I would ask to push your start date back rather than take a sick day.

Original poster

Kiopa · 03/01/2022 18:31

Definitely won't go in tomorrow, don't worry. I'm interested why people say I should postpone my start date instead of a sick day. I was thinking to ask them to courier me the IT stuff so I can start work as soon as I'm well (from home). I've already signed the contract with tomorrow as my start date and am entitled to 3 weeks sick pay.

OP posts:

Kshhuxnxk · 03/01/2022 18:38

@Kiopa

Definitely won't go in tomorrow, don't worry. I'm interested why people say I should postpone my start date instead of a sick day. I was thinking to ask them to courier me the IT stuff so I can start work as soon as I'm well (from home). I've already signed the contract with tomorrow as my start date and am entitled to 3 weeks sick pay.

You actually need to ask?

SwimmingIntoMotherhood · 03/01/2022 18:41

@Kiopa

Definitely won't go in tomorrow, don't worry. I'm interested why people say I should postpone my start date instead of a sick day. I was thinking to ask them to courier me the IT stuff so I can start work as soon as I'm well (from home). I've already signed the contract with tomorrow as my start date and am entitled to 3 weeks sick pay.

Because starting your employment journey with a sick day/multiple if it's covid - is not a great first impression.

andyindurham · 03/01/2022 18:44

Surely all you can do here is call them, explain and see what they suggest. It will be one of postpone start date, provide the kit for WFH or go to sick leave for 7-10 days as needed. Yes, the timing is horrible, but in the end it's not more than a couple of weeks and both you and your new employer should be able to get through that, given the circumstances.

ElectraBlue · 03/01/2022 18:50

Simply tell them you tested positive and ask to postpone your official starting date by a week.

They obviously won't someone in who will infect everyone else and by postponing your start date they don't have to pay you for your time off.

You might be 'entitled'' to sick days but this would give a poor impression as you have not even started your employment with them.

You might be lucky and their HR might suggest this should be taken as sick days anyway but don't just assume and offer an alternative (delaying start date).

Edinvillian · 04/01/2022 12:39

How did it go?

ChrimboGateauxCatto · 04/01/2022 14:35

Talk to you employer. Our staff who have any covid related sickness don't have it recorded as sick days, so that it doesn't ever effect them negatively.

Rach000 · 04/01/2022 19:35

It's obviously not great not been able to start on your first day but at the moment with so many people testing positive I think workplaces have to understand. I would let them know and see how they want you to work it.
At my work I think it would just go down as sick, would be more hassle to get all the paperwork amended and the system and payroll etc. And if we could cope another week without you would be easier to start when you have isolated a week later.