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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Manager said no to holiday request

321 replies

Buddythecat1 · 15/02/2023 16:13

I'm probably going to get my arse handed to me on a plate here but fck it.
I asked for two days off on Monday just passed
I asked 10 days in advance.
Just been told today that it's been refused.
I asked why, was told 'I don't know'

I am very hot headed and I have such strong temptation to walk put right now. (I have another thread about my contract if anybody cares)
I've been spoken to like shit by this manager, talked down to on a daily basis, I've been micromanaged.
I dread coming to work, I cry most days. Management allowed another employee to verbally abuse me and no consequences were ever brought to the other person.

Would I be totally unreasonable to walk out? The thought of never having to work in this place again gives me great relief. Or am I just being stupid and should suck it up

OP posts:
VictoriaBlossom · 15/02/2023 16:34

Pretty sure ACASadvise you should give double the amount of time you're requesting off notice.

So I asked for Monday off, and I requested it today. Should get authorised tomorrow. And that's the way most companies should work unless you're on shift or a certain job that needs you in position

DuplicateUserName · 15/02/2023 16:37

Are you in a union OP?

I'm always surprised at the amount of MNetters who aren't.

IncompleteSenten · 15/02/2023 16:39

Can you manage financially if you walk? Will you need them for a reference in the future?
If yes to the first and no to the second then yes. I'd walk.

Proudofitbabe · 15/02/2023 16:39

I'd quit purely for how undervalued and crap you clearly feel. If you can manage financially i think I would just walk. If not grin and bear it until something else is lined up.

Viviennemary · 15/02/2023 16:42

Its annoying but depends on the company. Ten days notice isn't much. But sounds like you are being treated badly at work. Its usually better to get a new job before keaving.

AlisonDonut · 15/02/2023 16:43

'Good job you refused me that leave, turns out I'm in hospital that day anyway'.

They have to pay you outstanding leave when your employment ends. They do not have to pay you outstanding leave at year end but they have to let you take your days in that year or carry a max of 5 over.

Magicpaintbrush · 15/02/2023 16:44

Don't leave without another job to go to, that would be cutting off your nose to spite your face. Go to your job interview, if you get it then great, if not keep looking, bide your time, stay calm and cool, and when you do get hired elsewhere you can leave without sleepless nights worrying how you will pay the bills. For what it's worth I think it's shit that you needed the time off for a hospital appointment and they said no - I'm not sure what your rights would be on that, I'm not sure they are allowed to refuse that - especially if you have a referral letter from the hospital that you can physically show them to prove that's where you'll be going.

oioimatey · 15/02/2023 16:44

Can you take the request to someone more senior?

mumda · 15/02/2023 16:46

It's not holiday or sick you want for the hospital visit. It's time off for a medical appointment.

Tell them.
I'd suggest union advice too.

eighteenthirteen1 · 15/02/2023 16:46

nutbrownhare15 · 15/02/2023 16:20

Can you conveniently be sick on the days you wanted?

Don't do that

GoChasingWaterfalls · 15/02/2023 16:47

I think you need to contact ACAS to get advice over your annual leave entitlement.

Unfortunately there is no obligation for an employer to grant leave requests, they only have to ensure you get the chance to take it as some point in the year. However, it does sound like the refusal is being made for reasons other than business need.

Saz12 · 15/02/2023 16:48

I’m not sure they can refuse you time off for medical appointments though. So just tell manager you wanted holiday time for a hospital appointment. If they’re arsey with you, take the appointment letter in with you tomorrow for HR.

ColdHandsHotHead · 15/02/2023 16:54

I do wonder if they're trying to push you out, OP.

Mirabai · 15/02/2023 16:56

Focus your anger on finding another job while you’re still getting paid for this one.

eighteenthirteen1 · 15/02/2023 16:56

I pretty much disagree with almost every post on here. You all sound like PITA employees

LemonSwan · 15/02/2023 16:56

Just go to the GP and get signed off with stress. Good luck with your interview.

ScottBakula · 15/02/2023 17:00

I know all companies differ but at mine it's;
2 weeks notice for 1 or 2 days leave
One month notice for upto 2 weeks leave which is generally the max we can take off all at once
However under certain circumstances 8 weeks notice for up to one month's leave.

All of the above has to be in writing with a holiday form filled in and emailed to line manager.
Who should respond within 'a few days'
If the holiday is refused a good reason would have to be given , for a hospital appointment we would do every thing possible to accommodate it.

Reugny · 15/02/2023 17:01

Saz12 · 15/02/2023 16:48

I’m not sure they can refuse you time off for medical appointments though. So just tell manager you wanted holiday time for a hospital appointment. If they’re arsey with you, take the appointment letter in with you tomorrow for HR.

They can try.

I've worked for employers who have tried and demanded advanced notice.

All that happens is your condition becomes a disability either directly or due to them causing mental health issues around it.

Butitsnotfunnyisititsserious · 15/02/2023 17:01

Yeah Monday just two days ago
It's for two days off next week.
There are two of us that do this job but it can be done by 1 person so that isn't the reason, and if it was then why not say that

I wouldn't be approved holiday at that short notice either. However our policy does advise this.

jackstini · 15/02/2023 17:02

Well legally as long as they allow you to take your holiday at some point within the holiday year, they can dictate when you take it without any reason. A bot shit and not many companies are nasty about it - but that's actually the law

Lots of companies have factory shutdown etc. and all employees are foreced to take some leave within those dates

Also, it was quite short notice tbf

2 days holiday in 6 months is also ok, as long as you are allowed to take all your remaining/accrued holiday before the end of the holiday year

For the hospital appointment though, this should be taken as sick leave

For the Christmas sick leave - you can self certificate for up to 7 days, so 5 is fine. Do you have a limit on number of paid sick days per year?

The bigger picture here is how you feel about working there and it's obviously awful for you. I would see if you can hang on until your interview and get another job, but if you absolutely cannot take it and can afford to do so, then leave

Trez1510 · 15/02/2023 17:03

So many questions.

Why didn't you just notify them you have a hospital appointment?

When you asked for leave and it was refused, surely the first question you'd have asked is "Who does know, then?"

Followed quickly by contacting that person who does know to ask the question "Why?"

Sounds to me like you're playing games OP. You will not win.

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 15/02/2023 17:03

Is there anyone higher up in the company than the manager that denied you leave for a hospital appointment with no reason given?

I think you should put your request in writing to them and if necessary include a copy of the hospital appointment letter (with personal info crossed out if necessary) Say how long you've been waiting for the appointment - how difficult it will be to arrange another one. Ask again for the time off.

Someone has said they are "investigating" your Xmas absence. How exactly are they going to do this. I think this was just a threat.. But write everything down.

Canthave2manycats · 15/02/2023 17:04

eighteenthirteen1 · 15/02/2023 16:56

I pretty much disagree with almost every post on here. You all sound like PITA employees

With that remark, you come across as a bully!

You shouldn't have to take annual leave or sick leave for a hospital appointment. Go above the head of the person who refused.

Alternatively (this is not something I'd normally advise but it happens and it sounds like you are being bullied here) - go to your GP and get signed off with stress at work. It will give you more flexibility for interviews anyway. I totally understand what you are going through, and it's soul destroying.

AlisonDonut · 15/02/2023 17:07

Butitsnotfunnyisititsserious · 15/02/2023 17:01

Yeah Monday just two days ago
It's for two days off next week.
There are two of us that do this job but it can be done by 1 person so that isn't the reason, and if it was then why not say that

I wouldn't be approved holiday at that short notice either. However our policy does advise this.

9 days notice isn't short notice for 2 days leave.

Chasedbythechaser · 15/02/2023 17:08

youshouldnthaveasked · 15/02/2023 16:28

do you have to use holidays for hospital appointments? Surely they can’t refuse time off for medical needs?

if they’re being dicks about it just get a sick note for stress and see HR about this bullying

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