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Original poster

Sickness - can my son be sacked ?

82 replies

DesperatelySeekingHelp · 24/02/2026 19:47

My son has been in a job he loves for 9 months. He is really good at it and they really value him as he is really fast and good at what he does.
However, since he started he has developed horrific stomach problems. He has been off sick on and off quite a lot in nine months. This last bout has been particularly bad and he has been off for about two and a half weeks. They have a non work from home policy but he has asked if can work from home as he just needs to be near a toilet. He can’t travel in on tube as he has soiled himself about 3 or 4 times on tube.

anyway he has a Gastro appointment today and he will have a colonoscopy in two to four weeks.

he has asked again if he can work from home until appointment comes through. This way the company gets the work done and his mental health doesn’t deteriorate whilst at home.
they have responded that he has a teams call with HR tomorrow.
can they sack him ? He’s not had any official warning letters etc.

OP posts:
Flowertrees · 25/02/2026 21:32

Vestus · 25/02/2026 20:37

I have multiple illnesses that would be construed disabilities. But no business owner owes you a living. Especially if you’re there less than a year. Find ways for him to deliver. Maybe he could wear a pad and change it once he’s in work? Lots do exactly that. Persuade them that he can do this job without too much disruption. Just the odd hospital appointment. But they won’t change their policies for him. That is your best bet. You need to show this is a minor blip. They absolutely don’t have to fund him. It’s losing them money. They owe him nothing with nine months’ service, which is probably mostly training, costing them money. I would minimise it myself.

Why is being there less than a year relevant?

fossiltherapist · 25/02/2026 21:40

popcornandpotatoes · 25/02/2026 20:39

We've no idea the nature of his job or whether working from home would be considered reasonable. If he works on a reception desk WFH isn't a reasonable adjustment

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Obviously. Notice that I didn't offer an opinion on what would or would not be considered reasonable. All I did was point out that failure to make reasonable adjustments is a form of unlawful disability discrimination in its own right.

Vestus · 25/02/2026 21:41

Flowertrees · 25/02/2026 21:32

Why is being there less than a year relevant?

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You have less employment rights. People tend to be more lenient if you’re experienced in the job. You’re still a liability in most jobs up to 9 months. You’re don’t add value. They are spending valuable time training you. If you’re going off sick already it’s not in their interests to keep training you.

fossiltherapist · 25/02/2026 21:42

Vestus · 25/02/2026 21:41

You have less employment rights. People tend to be more lenient if you’re experienced in the job. You’re still a liability in most jobs up to 9 months. You’re don’t add value. They are spending valuable time training you. If you’re going off sick already it’s not in their interests to keep training you.

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It's two years now, not one year.

Vestus · 25/02/2026 21:45

fossiltherapist · 25/02/2026 21:42

It's two years now, not one year.

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The opening post says he has been in the job nine months.

Flowertrees · 25/02/2026 22:55

Vestus · 25/02/2026 21:41

You have less employment rights. People tend to be more lenient if you’re experienced in the job. You’re still a liability in most jobs up to 9 months. You’re don’t add value. They are spending valuable time training you. If you’re going off sick already it’s not in their interests to keep training you.

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There’s no more rights after 1 year though, it’s currently 2 years

Soontobe60 · 26/02/2026 07:33

HotChocCreamAndMarshmallows · 25/02/2026 08:32

Entirely incorrect. You do not need to have a diagnosis to have a disability (though there are other criteria)

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Yes there certainly are, none of which include self diagnosis. For example, your condition has to be considered long term. Someone whose leg has been amputated would clearly be considered an immediate disability. Someone whose had an upset stomach for a few weeks less so.

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