Job offer and sickness absence

[Toastandcheerios]

I have already posted this elsewhere but seeking reassurance. I've been offered a job but I'm worried they'll retract the offer due to my sickness record, which hasn't been great over the past year - one bout of Covid and then a few months off work because of mental health problems caused by workplace bullying. I am not usually one to take much time off sick and in the previous 2 years I probably took a couple of days off.

I'm worried that, either as part of the occupational health assessment or while collecting references, they will discover this and decide to withdraw the job offer. Does anyone have any experience with this? The job is to do with mental health so I am hoping they will be understanding, but I can't stop worrying.

I wouldn’t have thought your sickness record would come up during the reference process, employers normally just confirm dates and perhaps job title.

I very much doubt time off for Covid would cause an issue. If it’s a large corporate, they may look into it, but I’ve never known people be refused jobs on the grounds of health issues. I’ve been in companies that have taken people on knowing they have health issues. Lots of support for it. If they reject you on those grounds, would you really want to work there?

Also, workplace bullying leading to time off and (assuming here) the reason for leaving is common. You shouldn’t have to endure that and I’m sorry it’s happened.

If they raise it, be honest if you want to, but you shouldn’t have to disclose.

Congrats on the new job! Try not to worry.

I think employers may reveal sickness records, if requested. It’s one of the standard questions- job title, starting and leaving dates, and disciplinary and sickness records.

Most large firms I know only confirm last job title and employment dates.

Is it a small company you work for?

Congratulations. I had similar (job offer after a lengthy and recent-ish period of sick leave). It did emerge during referencing; the new employer was obvs concerned to check that I was now fit for work; once reassured on that score it ceased to be an issue.

I thought they changed the law a few years ago so employers specifically can't ask about sickness in prospective employees. Check it out with Citizens Advice.

The difference is between before you’ve been offered a job and after you’ve been offered it. Prospective employers can ask your current employer about sickness absence (just the days, periods of absence) only after you’ve been offered a job - which is in the OP’s case. Your current employer is not allowed to reveal the actual details of why you were absent, unless you agree. Some employers will refuse to answer these questions at all - as indeed no employer is obliged to give a reference.

@daisypond

The difference is between before you’ve been offered a job and after you’ve been offered it. Prospective employers can ask your current employer about sickness absence (just the days, periods of absence) only after you’ve been offered a job - which is in the OP’s case. Your current employer is not allowed to reveal the actual details of why you were absent, unless you agree. Some employers will refuse to answer these questions at all - as indeed no employer is obliged to give a reference.

Can you refuse employment based on the number of sick days taken? What if the candidate came back and said they were disabled - would that then make a difference? I'm particularly thinking of the whole long covid thing about to hit the work-place.

@Snorkello Thanks, I'll try!
@KatherineJaneway No, it's actually public sector. Not sure if that makes them more or less likely to reveal it.
@Ceara Glad to hear it worked out for you. Fingers crossed it isn't an issue for me either!