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Original poster

Leaving work after accident

77 replies

Jenmarble · 03/02/2018 10:52

I had an accident at work , that gave me a black eye.
I was hit by a heavy door that swings back and closes itself really fast.
I dont feel great about going back to this job, there has been other things that concern me about health and safety and i've never had any training. But if i just quit i wont be entitled to benefits and i'm not sure what to say to a new employer.
Also a manager has changed my contract for less hours and no hoilday, whereas HR think I'm on a different contract, and its made me really confused and a but stressed.

I think i'm probably going to write a resignation letter, but i'm not sure what to say.
Should i try to leave on good terms and say i enjoyed the job but its not right for me right now?, or should i say i find working conditions stressful? thanks

OP posts:
flowery · 03/02/2018 11:32

”I really can't go back to this job.”

Is there tons missing from this story then? Because a black eye from a heavy door and some confusion about your contract aren’t reasons to think it’s so bad you can’t set foot back in the place.

Original poster
Jenmarble · 03/02/2018 11:32

yes i 'm very depressed and have lots of anxiety. But the doctors are not keen to sign me off work, or say i'm too unwell to work. so a bit stuck.

OP posts:
insancerre · 03/02/2018 11:33

Are you signed off for stress? You can resign while signed off, just get your doctor to sign you off for the notice period
You don't need to give a reason to resign, just state you are giving g the required notice and your last day will be CSX

Original poster
Jenmarble · 03/02/2018 11:35

i would still be in breach of contract for not working notice?

OP posts:
insancerre · 03/02/2018 11:38

You will need to get signed off for the notice period

TheFallenMadonna · 03/02/2018 11:39

If you are asking how to frame your resignation, I would simply go with the basics as I suggested before. If you want to make the job work, or at least stick it out until you can find another job, you need to engage with the school and try to sort out your concerns. You haven't said what your role is or what role your manager has. Are you employed by the school itself?

TheFallenMadonna · 03/02/2018 11:40

You would be in breach, but in all honesty a school would be unlikely to pursue that.

LIZS · 03/02/2018 11:43

If it is a school surely it is pretty straightforward to go to the office and ensure it has been recorded in the Accident Book. Likewise Policies, including H & S and risk assessments, should be accessible. Depending on your role you may only be able to give notice at a specific time. In theory you work your notice but you could be signed off and/or use accrued leave. Have you self certified since the accident?

bakingaddict · 03/02/2018 11:44

Have you had your eye properly looked over to make sure there's no detached retina or anything like that.

Original poster
Jenmarble · 03/02/2018 11:45

i'm employed by the school. I don't think they'll sue me for leaving without notice, but i'm worried about a poor reference when i try to get another job.

OP posts:
Original poster
Jenmarble · 03/02/2018 11:49

i have self certified since the accident

OP posts:
Mrsdraper1 · 03/02/2018 11:49

No one gets sued for not working notice

notapizzaeater · 03/02/2018 11:50

Have you checked if you can get benefits ? You probably won't be able to as you have resigned.

Parker231 · 03/02/2018 11:51

What have you entered in the accident book?

Original poster
Jenmarble · 03/02/2018 11:51

it hit my bone, so i got a shock in the head. The eye itself looks ok, just bruised and painful.

OP posts:
Original poster
Jenmarble · 03/02/2018 11:52

lol, yes i know i won't get benefits.

OP posts:
TheFallenMadonna · 03/02/2018 11:52

Well, they can only give an honest reference of course. But schools certainly don't just give basic "worked in this role between these dates" references. What is stopping you from going in and talking to the Head/business manager (depending on your role)?

Original poster
Jenmarble · 03/02/2018 11:57

i don't feel well enough to go out right now. I think having a meeting to too stressful at the moment.

OP posts:
flowery · 03/02/2018 11:59

They are unlikely to pursue you legally for not working your notice but yes obviously you’d be waving goodbye to a half-decent reference. If you’ve only been there a very short time that might matter less.

Original poster
Jenmarble · 03/02/2018 11:59

thanks for all your advice.

OP posts:
Original poster
Jenmarble · 03/02/2018 12:00

i've been there over 2 years

OP posts:
TheFallenMadonna · 03/02/2018 12:04

Then your only option, of you need to avoid the financial consequences of resigning, is to see your GP and explain that you are unable to go into work owing to stress. Sickness absence due to stress is something that most schools have experience in dealing with.

Original poster
Jenmarble · 03/02/2018 12:07

thanks, i 'll go back to the doctors. but last year i had some weeks of because of stress, so i'm being monitored for absence. i'm not sure they'll be ok with it , who knows

OP posts:
TittyGolightly · 03/02/2018 12:09

Would this be your second or third absence in the last 12 months, OP? With 2 months off last autumn you’ll almost certainly trigger absence management procedures.

You’ll also need a fit note once you’ve been off for a week.

traumwerk · 03/02/2018 12:11

If you work in a school you should be a member of a union. Speak to your union first before you take any action like handing in your notice.