Sick leave on references

[lordVoldemort]

I've managed to get myself worked up so wanted to get some other thoughts please.

I have been at my current job over 2 years. I haven't enjoyed it since day1 but due to a short stint at my previous job (role made at risk of redundancy after 6months) I wanted to stick it out for at least

During the summer I had a TFMR at 18weeks. I had complications during the process resulting in 5weeks off work.

I have now received a new job offer, and as part of the process asked to confirm number of sick days in the last year. I didn't want to declare that I have had 5 weeks off because a) it doesn't look great regardless of the reason and b) I don't want a new employer to guess that I am trying to get pregnant. So I only declared my one day non-pregnancy related sickness.

Now I'm panicking that my sickness will be included in a reference from my current employer. I haven't handed my notice in yet as my manager has been off so I can't check with HR. I'm also nervous to hand in notice in case sickness is declared and my offer is withdrawn.

I'm don't normally overthink this much but this has been an awful year and to end it resigning and having an offer withdrawn would really be the cherry on the cake.

It would be unusual for your current employer to say anything about sickness. They normally just confirm start date and job title.

I'm not sure why you think the fact you haven't handed in your notice means you can't check with HR. Just ask them what information they give on references.

I thought periods of sickness was included in a reference so they’d say 2 periods of absence but not necessarily how long each period was.

I thought periods of sickness was included in a reference

The employer needs explicit consent from the employee if they are going to include physical or mental health information as that is considered sensitive. Even stating the number of days absent without giving reasons could be disability discrimination. And if they get it wrong they could be sued by the employee. So an employer can include information about sickness absences but many will not do so because of the risks.

OP remember your new employers have offered you the job, they are unlikely to withdraw it without good reason. We all get sick and even if they did get to know about your absence, they are unlikely to microanalyse the situation to that extent.

Withdrawals tend to be because the new organisation finds out about a criminal conviction or some other serious security / financial breach, not for that minor period of sickness.

Style it out and you'll find it all works out fine.

Does pregnancy related sickness count towards sick leave?

Thanks all. I very rarely have a sick day so I have never had to think about this before