I have recently applied and have been accepted for a new job role. The acceptance based on satisfactory Vetting, medical, fitness and references. I have passed all areas and am currently awaiting a decision on my vetting.
My question - as part of my vetting meeting, the employers discussed previous sickness rates (for my medical I have to supply the past 3 years record). They informed that my current employer had not supplied this in my reference, and was I willing to write a letter to authorise the release of this info (which I agreed).
The new employer noted that I had had a baby during the 3 year period, and due to Health and safety restrictions with my current role, meant I was to be removed from the environment and placed on 'garden leave' pending a suitable alternative job role'. The new employer then requests I provide a 6 year sickness record based upon the fact I was on pregnancy garden leave, followed by maternity leave, and that a 6 year record would provide a more accurate record of sickness.
To me this seems unjust - I appreciate they want reliable staff and reassurance that I would fulfil this - but to extend the sickness record request because of my pregnancy and maternity leave seems unfair.
Any advice would be useful :)