Calling HR profs - question on sick days?

[happynewme]

As you may have seen from other post have been sexually harrassed for last 6 months, which included sexual assault. I cannot go back to old company (even though HE should be gone).
I have always had excellent sickness record but because of this I have had 5 weeks off with stress. How should I put this under sickness where it says give details. REally annoyed that not only has this man ruined my career in one place he is continuing to cause me grief in job applications

I wouldnt put it in at all. This is something youre trying to get away from and Im sure the company you work for at the moment will want to brush this under the carpet too.

for what reason did you give your HR department for being sick.

this is the reason that willbe sent to your new company if they ask i would assume

I think you need to include something, as if they contact your old company for a reference and they state that you had x number of days for sickness, and you declared none, then that could be a big problem.
I would state the number of days/weeks, and then put a note to say you would be happy to discuss it further at an interview. To be honest, and without wishing to detract from your situation, a lot of people are signed off with stress at some point in their life, and it is usually a one off and doesn't bother employers these days.

Hope you get the job, and sorry to hear you have had such a crap time.

First I would state not only the length of the tiem off but the number of occurances, employers would be more concerned by an employee who has 30 instances of taking one or two days off, than 1 instance of 30 days (30 instances smakcs of pulling sickies, 1 long instance 'must' be genuine).

I think you do have to tell them it was stress, because as custy etc point out, new employter could contact old to check it out. You could say it was stress- related and go on to explain this wasn't due to your job role/responsibilties.

That seems logical - thanks. Have one occasion of one day off sick, plus one occasion of 5 weeks (though being that I am part time it amounts to 12.5 days so hopefully doesn't look too bad?)
Thanks for advice
Application well under way now

hey happynewme!
hope you are doing ok. I used to be a manager and tbh - i think you should put down the truth in nos of days/ occurences. Sick leave for stress or anything related never put me off interviewing or employing anyone. i would have been more hacked off if they hadnt been honest on application forms. I think it is ok to say that you are happy to talk it over prior to/or at interview.
hop ethat helps and good luck. xoxox