Worried a long-term sickness absence could affect interview offer

[Dobbysocks]

I had a period of long term sick this year and have an upcoming interview. I’m scared if I get an offer it will be withdrawn when my absence is disclosed.

Absence was mental health related. I sought treatment and had a successful phased return and have now been back for a few months with 1 further day of absence due to a migraine.

I’m not 100% better. But now well enough to be in work. I just can’t help shake the worry my chances will be ruined by my absence.

Any experiences of getting a job during the same academic year of a long term absence welcomed.

Hi OP. Someone I know took 6 months off and still managed to find 3 different jobs and ended up working close to her home!

This is reassuring. Was she asked about her absence by any of the jobs? Or was it a career break rather than long term sickness?

It was long term absence and she wasn’t asked about it.

Sickness absence has no impact whatsoever on a new role. People can't help it if they are ill. There are laws to make sure that people are not treated unfavourably because of illness, pregnancy and various other things. I am pretty sure that new employers, won't have any access to your sickness record before deciding to appoint or not.

That’s interesting. I hear so many mixed things about whether or not people were asked.

No but they will likely ask absence related questions in the reference request? I’m not ashamed and will answer honestly if my new employer approach me that it was mental health related. I’m just worried the offer from the school could be withdrawn due to my absence at my current school.