End of probation due to sickness

[amb38]

Just looking for advice: 6 months ago I returned to a job that I was in a year ago covering a maternity leave, I was asked to go back with a permanent contract back in April. I started this role and was happy with it for about 1 month and a half and then I became really stressed with the amount of work that was dumped on me with minimal training. I informed a few of my colleagues that I had too much to keep on top of and important things weren't getting dealt with.

I then found out I was pregnant and the stress just made me break to the point I had to see my dr who advised working on my state was not acceptable and they advised me to go on the sick. I was off for 2 weeks then decided to try and go back to work, I lasted a day and nothing had been done about my work load etc . I was in a back to work meeting with my manager on that day who lied on my back to work form and advised if he put down I had work related stress it would "raise alarm bells" with HR.

I then returned to my because of the stress and they've given me time off. I have now been on the sick for 4 months. I have not heard from my manager or anyone in the company since being off sick. My 6 months probation is due to end tomorrow, I was expecting to be contacted by them explaining they had ended my probation but I have not heard anything.

Does anyone know if I don't hear anything from them to just expect my probation period is over?

[cabbageking]

They may wish to extend it or not. No one can say sorry.

[MellyNotSmelly]

You need to bite the bullet and get in touch with your manager I'm afraid. They shouldn't really be contacting you when you are signed off, particularly if workplace stress could be a factor. It could be as simple as them being ultra cautious - it could be a good sign. But none of us can tell you either way, you need to initiate contact with your manager and not make assumptions from their silence.

[Spartak]

Have you kept in touch with HR or your manager at all? If not they may well be assuming that you aren't coming back at all, as you've been off sick for longer than you've been employed on the permanent contract.

[rosesandcashmere]

You also have a responsibility to keep in touch with your employer. Be prepared for them to either extend your probation or to not pass it.

[Babyroobs]

I don't see how your probation could end when you've ben off sick for most of it. I expect it will be extended.

[ShippingNews]

Probation is a period when you are observed to see if you are right for the job. If you've been off sick for most of the probation period, they can't possibly say you are right for the job . So imho they would have paused the probation when you went off sick, and would recommence it when you started back again.

[DesMartinsPetCat]

Are they aware you’re pregnant?

Have you been submitting regular GP certainly covering your absence? If so, what reason is being given on the certs- work-related stress or pregnancy-related illness?

I take it you’re not being paid?

From my reading of this, you were at work for c. 6 weeks out of 26. Did you keep in touch with your manager or HR department at all during that time?