Does a work 'record' get passed between employers?

[Giggle78]

I have had a really successful career for the past eight years.. and then in the last two weeks I have been signed off by the doctors due to stress. (Clearly there are many factors that have contributed to this). I will be going back full time when I go back to work.

Now while this time off will be on my work record at my current employers - in my next job/future jobs (whenever wherever that is) will they ever need to know?

Do I go to the next job with a clean slate?

I know that future employees can't ask about absence on application forms -but is it usual/possible for it to mentioned in a reference? Do HR pass on work 'records' between employers?

Thanks

Yes, HR have to be honest in a reference which might include absenteeism. However, you have only been signed off for two weeks right? That's not above your sick leave for the year so probably/possibly not an issue for a future employer.

Hi there,

What is 'sick leave' for the year?

I have been signed off for two weeks. I really really hope that this thing doesn't cast a shadow over what has been great work over years.

Which I guess is what I am thinking about at the moment.

Your new employer can ask for the number of days absence per year, bt not the reason why. I wouldn't think 2 weeks on an otherwise exemplary record would matter.

I'm not aware of allocations per year in most jobs but in some employers there is a limit to paid days.

Hi there,

Thanks so much, just writing it down has helped with perspective. If I was giving someone advice about this then I would say the same - two weeks on an exemplary record is a bump in the road.

Thanks, I feel better for asking this question and hearing your replies.

2 weeks is really nothing - and even longer would be very unlikely to make a difference - I had 5 months off a while a go for instance. most employers now only ask about illness record after a job offer. TBH I think the most important thing is for you to get well.

Also remember that even if your next employer received a reference which mentioned something negative relating to your sickness record (and two weeks isn't anything to worry about during an otherwise uneventful sickness record)... the next employer again won't ever see that, because the plan is for it to not happen again. Your reference is only as bad as the last employer you have normally, unless you've opted to include people from a string of previous workplaces (unusual, surely, unless they'd give you an exceptionally good reference or unless the new employer states you must give a reference contact at e.g. each of the last 3 organisations you've worked for).

"Yes, HR have to be honest in a reference which might include absenteeism. However, you have only been signed off for two weeks right? That's not above your sick leave for the year so probably/possibly not an issue for a future employer."

Very unlikely. Most employers only confirm dates of employment and job title. I would be amazed and appalled if a company disclosed medical information to a third party.

But when you apply for a new job don't they often ask how many days off / periods of sick you have had?

I have never been asked that, nor have I ever asked such a question when I have been interviewing others.