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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To turn down a job based on...

36 replies

Nowhoopie · 21/09/2023 13:29

To turn down a job based on their sickness policy and maternity policy?

I've been offered a job. Great salary and overall package, but I've just taken a look at their sickness and maternity policy and they offer nothing above statutory for either.

Only SSP and SMP.

Now, I rarely take a day off sick - perhaps once or max twice a year but the thought of having a period of being unwell and not being paid during that time is worrying. Not to mention if I have to take a day off because one of my children is unwell.

AIBU to turn it down based on this?

OP posts:

EachPeachPearNectarine · 21/09/2023 16:24

Hotsaucegal · 21/09/2023 16:06

I depends how attractive the rest of the job is. However, I’m a bit wary about employers that offer the bare minimum (statutory), sometimes hints at bad company culture - i.e. they don’t look after their people.

This. To me it would speak volumes about the employer so it wouldn't be somewhere I'd want to work.

I'd also expect that this kind of policy results in everyone dragging themselves in to infect everyone else which I'm not up for either.

IKnowAPlace · 21/09/2023 16:28

This happens with growing companies - they're so focused on growing that they forget to enhance their employment packages and just chuck salary at it.

One of my friends works for a lovely but successful and growing small business and they still only have the absolute minimum amount of annual leave and instead have "pub lunches" as a perk every month. He's happy with it, I wouldn't be.

PinkPlantCase · 21/09/2023 19:54

It isn’t that unusual to use sick for child sickness, my DH gets paid sick leave and his work told him to take it as sick leave if he needs to care for unwell DC. It means he still gets it as paid and they said he didn’t need to use annual leave for it.

I need to use annual leave, take it unpaid or work back the time.

I’ve seen various from friends. Including some teachers that still get paid if they need to take care of DC, I assume that’s taking it as sick leave too, with their workplace aware of why they’re off.

MidnightEagle · 22/09/2023 13:10

It would be an issue for me. I had the same problem when I was offered a new job last year but they only offered SSP. I explained to them I currently had a much better package and wouldn't be able to take the job. Thankfully my new employer agreed to match and we had a deal! Definitely mention it to them and see if there is any negotiation.

ActDottie · 22/09/2023 13:42

That would be a dealbreaker for me.

Also, I never took a days sick until I got pregnant. 24 weeks and still throwing up every day :( Given you’re interested in the maternity pay I assume you must be thinking of kids at some point so something to think about is if you’re ill in pregnancy.

bulletproofcoffee · 22/09/2023 13:56

Recently turned down an offer that was almost 50% pay increase over this.

Got approached more recently for a really interesting job but it had no maternity until 2 years service.

Ended up getting a counter offer from my current which wasn't 50% increase closer to 40%.

Reason for me was I want kids soon in the next year

Azurebird · 22/09/2023 13:57

I work in private sector heathcare, on a much much better hourly rate than I'd earn in the nhs. I have no intention of having more babies, so the smp isn't an issue.

You can get round the poor ssp with a private income protection policy. As long as the better wages cover the monthly cost of the policy (usually by miles). You then get a policy that tops up the ssp to your usual monthly income.

It obviously doesn't cover an odd day or 2 for a sickness bug, just have to take that on the chin but if I broke my leg or something worse and needed longer off we're safe

Kwasi · 22/09/2023 18:41

Nowhoopie · 21/09/2023 13:44

Medium size business (roughly 90 employees). Not a charity, not strapped for cash, as a business they're growing considerably.

I am currently employed and have enhanced sickness and maternit, hence why it was such a shock to read this new policy.

I was about to sign the contract because as I said the package offered is really competiive then reading this made me rethink the whole situation.

In what way is the package really competitive?

LoobyDop · 22/09/2023 18:45

If you already have a job that pays you what you need and doesn’t make you miserable, I think it’s entirely sensible to turn a new one down if there’s anything in the ts and cs that makes you pause. Recruiters are very good at making you feel that if you aren’t prepared to take a risk, you’re lacking in ambition, but that’s because their main concern is their commission, not your happiness.

Original poster

Nowhoopie · 22/09/2023 19:21

@Kwasi good salary, good OTE, good holiday allowance, flexible working hours, private healthcare package

OP posts:

WhatK8DidNext · 23/09/2023 12:19

I’ve never paid much attention to policies and I wish I had …

I had surgery in February and after 6m on SSP I am in a mess financially. You may be absolutely fine health wise now, but trust me you never know what may happen.

The stress & worry has significantly impacted my ability to recover. I am
now looking for another job where I feel more valued.

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