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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Original poster

In shock - I’ve just been sacked

298 replies

Zofloramummy · 02/08/2018 15:00

I’m a single mum with a mortgage. I’ve worked in the NHS for 21 years. I’ve had a really shitty few years, left an abusive relationship, struggles with my mental health and had an accident resulting in several fractures.

I have had three absences since my return from long term sickness (flu, D&V, and a horrendous reaction to antibiotics).
I went to the third formal sickness interview today and I’ve had my contract terminated.

I’m in shock I think. They’ve applied the policy to the letter so I doubt there are grounds for appeal. After years of service and being burnt out by the demands of the job I’ve been sacked.

Not sure why I’m posting I think I just need to hear some positive stories of people who have come out of the other side of this. I don’t think I want to work in the NHS any longer. I’m trying to see this as an opportunity. But I’m scared too. Not sure if relationships is the right place to post, but any advice would be great.

OP posts:
AudTheDeepMinded · 02/08/2018 15:03

Blimey OP, what an awful thing to happen. ARe you a member of a Union? Could you seek advice?

ichifanny · 02/08/2018 15:05

Did they give you a formal warning at your last meeting ?

HollowTalk · 02/08/2018 15:05

That is terrible. Would they have preferred you to work with flu or D&V?

Original poster
Zofloramummy · 02/08/2018 15:05

I’m not (I couldnt afford the subs). But I’ve got the number for ACAS, apparently they offer support in these situations.
I feel like my past history with depression has been the major issue. I feel like if I’d had a physical illness it would have been understood more.

OP posts:
Original poster
Zofloramummy · 02/08/2018 15:06

Yes they did give me formal warning. Unfortunately I had been given Augmentin antibiotics for a breast cyst and had projectile vomiting. This was the episode that triggered the third formal.

OP posts:
Original poster
Zofloramummy · 02/08/2018 15:07

Obviously in a public facing role working g with older people who are already unwell coming into work with either D&V or the flu would have been a really bad idea.

OP posts:
StealthPolarBear · 02/08/2018 15:09

Oh no I'm so sorry :(

EmeraldVillage · 02/08/2018 15:09

Op if you want employment law advice might I suggest you either repost in employment issues or ask MNHQ to move it there via the report button.

How long were you off long term and when did you come back?

Original poster
Zofloramummy · 02/08/2018 15:13

I was off for three months and I came back last September.
I’m not sure if I want employment advice. I’m not sure I want my job back! A part of me is thinking go fuck yourselves. But that’s anger and adrenaline I guess.
Maybe I can see this as a chance to do something different. I get three months severance pay. So at least I have breathing room. I don’t care at the moment if I just get a school hours job in something completely different. At least I can be a good mum then and have more time wth my DD rather than her spending hours in breakfast and after school club.

OP posts:
TerfsUp · 02/08/2018 15:14

OP, no advice but I'd like to offer my sympathy. I hope that things soon turn around for you.

TheQueef · 02/08/2018 15:17

How shitty Flowers

Go to ACAS.

donajimena · 02/08/2018 15:18

Bless you. This could be a start of a wonderful new chapter. As you say you have some breathing space. Are you in a clinical role? Something you could use in the private sector?
This is a terrible shock for you though.

Ryder63 · 02/08/2018 15:18

So sorry OP Flowers I have no advice except to maybe post this on the legal board too?

delphguelph · 02/08/2018 15:20

Bumping for advice from other folks

PrimalLady · 02/08/2018 15:21

So, in order notnto lose your job, you shouldve neglected the health of everyone you come into contact with, with the flu and d&v? What on earth? Im sorry to read this OP. Utterly unfair.

Hallouminati · 02/08/2018 15:21

How awful, no wonder you are in shock.

If it helps, DH was sacked a few years ago and it turned out to be the best for him and us. He worked away a lot and our relationship was suffering, he was stressed and overweight and unfit from staying in hotels and driving all the time. It took him a few months but he found a local job with less stress and is much happier. It took a while to get there and he went through a lot of anger and sadness at losing a job he did well and enjoyed, but in retrospect it was not good for him or us.

It absolutely is an opportunity to try something different and you've got a bit of time to see what's out there. Best of luck x

GahWhatever · 02/08/2018 15:23

I don't understand. You've had 3 bouts of short term sickness since last September when you got back to work after long term sick due to an injury. Say 3 days off each time, so a Bradford factor of 27?
That doesn't even ring bells in my Management head.
Is there anything else other than the 3 short sickness absences that they have cited? Are there performance issues or a pattern to the absences which suggests they may not be genuine?

Original poster
Zofloramummy · 02/08/2018 15:24

In my earlier post I do not mean to offend any working parent. Simply that my DD gets dropped off at 7.30 and picked up at 5.30. Maybe I can use this to have a better life balance.

Yes i am professionally qualified and registered with hcpc. I don’t even know if I want to do the same role again but I do have transferable skills.

OP posts:
Polkadotdelight · 02/08/2018 15:25

The only thing I would want to be sure of before you accept this is your pension. If you have paid into an NHS pension scheme for that many years will you still be able to claim it if they sacked you. I'm so sorry this happened to you and I don't want to scare monger but please get this checked.

user1471462428 · 02/08/2018 15:26

The lack of compassion is astonishing. I’m on final stage sickness but “luckily” one of my episodes was due to a miscarriage so they can’t sack me. The nhs are unbelievably heavy handed and I cannot understand why considering the recruitment and retention crisis. I’ve caught d&v from work, hand, foot and mouth (which caused the miscarriage) and swine flu. You work with sick people you get sick!! It’s not hard to understand. Go to ACAs.

Original poster
Zofloramummy · 02/08/2018 15:26

I have also had two prior absences (long term) in the last 4 years due to mental health. They reduced my duties on return last time. I can back on first formal, then triggered second with the other absences. The final nail was the antibiotics

OP posts:
Polkadotdelight · 02/08/2018 15:27

Ignore me. A quick Google says I was talking crap!

beeefcake · 02/08/2018 15:29

I can't understand how 3 bouts of sickness in 10 months would even trigger a warming??

I also work in public sector (not NHS) and it's three periods within 6 months for an informal chat with your manager and then goes on from there.

GreenFingersWouldBeHandy · 02/08/2018 15:30

Sorry for the shock but I think you'll be fine. The fact that you're already trying to use it as an opportunity to get a better work/life balance is great. Start job hunting immediately. Be very frugal with your severance pay. And enjoy the next few days with your DD!

2ManySweets · 02/08/2018 15:31

Ah the delightful NHS man management strikes again.

I’m very sorry OP. Someone wiser than I will be along to give constructive advice soon x