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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Temp agency and sickness absence, advice needed!

11 replies

Bottlesofhot · 18/04/2023 18:03

I need a bit of advice. I've been working as a temp for over a year in the same role. Due to the working environment, alongside other issues I've been signed off work for a month with anxiety and depression. I've only taken one day off sick so far and contacted my GP who signed me off and prescribed some anti depressants. My issue is that after receiving the sick note, they called me to suggest that I resign as it's in my best interest. I was shocked because I had already spoken with them earlier in the day and wasn't expecting for them to suggest that. They've said that the organisation I'm working for can't guarantee they can keep my role open as they are short staffed. They said they would give me a few days to consider whether I'm going to hand my notice in.

I called ACAS and they just said I don't need to resign, and could put in a grievance in with the agency. Whilst this is sage advice, I doubt the agency are going to help me find another job if I lodge a grievance.

My concern is that if I hand my notice in I won't be eligible for UC if I can't find other work. I feel under so much additional pressure which is not helping my mental health. What do I do? The agency have also emailed with another role in the same organisation, asking if I want to be put forward for it. I've barely been sleeping recently due to stress so I'm a bit wired.

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Bottlesofhot · 18/04/2023 18:04

I didn't mean to enable voting. I understand this is a crap situation all around but I'm feeling really awful at the moment and need to protect myself.

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Neededanewuserhandle · 18/04/2023 18:07

Don't resign - they are not suggesting that in your interests, it's solely for theirs. I wouldn't worry about not getting any more work from them - I have had stand up rows with agencies who then got me more work because they wanted the money. They threatened all sorts of nonsense and then backed down when they realised they could make more money from me. You have much more worth than you probably think you do.

Bottlesofhot · 18/04/2023 18:10

Thank you so much for your response. I'm feeling so low at the moment and I keep thinking I'll never get another job. They want to speak with me on Friday would you answer or just ignore them? I feel like they are putting me under so much unnecessary pressure.

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WeBuiltThisCity · 18/04/2023 18:13

If you are signed off sick with stress I’d say it’s not possible, but you will when your health improves. The advice above is good

Bottlesofhot · 18/04/2023 18:17

Thank you @WeBuiltThisCity they want me to make a decision this week, I'm so angry with them for putting me under this additional pressure.

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itsnotyourfence · 18/04/2023 18:17

Cheeky fuckers

stay signed off whilst you find another job tho as they sound utterly shit to work for

Bottlesofhot · 18/04/2023 18:20

The person I was dealing with at the agency didn't even know how they sort out stat sick pay!

Can I look for other work whilst signed off sick?

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GabriellaMontez · 18/04/2023 18:20

Tell them you don't need to speak in Friday as you're not resigning. Look for a new agency.

Holycow23x · 18/04/2023 18:24

I was a temp on and off for 10 years and when I tell you some of the incidents I’ve had you wouldn’t believe.

Dont resign. If they are going to let you go that’s fine. You can claim UC, and find another job. Not ideal, but better than being sacked and not eligible for UC.

I will echo what another PP said. Agencies are desperate for staff, so don’t let that put you off logging a grievance.

I was promised a job with an agency for a huge well known bank years ago. I handed in my notice at another job, and I’d left, was due to start the following day. The agency called me and said they had withdrawn the offer saying no funding was available. So I claimed JSA, went to a lawyer, told them what happened. Same Job offer came through 4 weeks later…… although it was a good result, I didn’t stay long as they were a shower or shits. My point being anything is possible!

good luck x

Bottlesofhot · 18/04/2023 20:16

Thank you @Holycow23x I haven't been a temp for a number of years and I've been shocked at the quality of the agencies where I live.

I think I'm going to email and say that I won't be available on Thursday for a call.

I picked up the antidepressants and I'm too anxious to take them in case I have loads of side effects.

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Bottlesofhot · 28/04/2023 14:08

Update - the agency have tried to call me but I haven't picked up. I received an email today saying the contract is being terminated from today.

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