Do all job references tend to ask for attendance?

[overwhelmmmed]

I had a period of ill health last year, which meant that I got signed off sick from work by my GP. This was followed by a phased return starting with a 3-day week (and so having 2-days off sick every week) upon the advice of my employer's occupational health advisor. As a result, my attendance is bad. I've since recovered, been cleared by occupational health and have had no further issues.

For various reasons, I need to get another job. I've applied to some and got some interviews lined up but can't help feeling it's all a waste of time as I've got such bad attendance that they will revoke my job offer once they receive the reference from my current employer.

I don't know whether to be up-front about it in an interview, or wait for them to mention it if it comes up in my reference? My current employer only gives factual references from HR.

Can you ask them to let you know before the point at which they wish to take up references so that you can update your current employer. You can take the opportunity at that point to be upfront about your period of ill health and return to work, clearance by OH etc. All sounds like it was approached v sensibly.

My DD found it was helpful to be upfront about her period of ill health at the interview stage. It didn't stop her being offered the job.

As you say. Your employer will only give a factual reference. They won’t (shouldn’t) disclose your health details.

Not all but some do.