Days of sick question.

[yaddi]

I've just been offered a job and am now filling in the paperwork. I was asked how many sick days I've taken in the last 3 years. It threw me a bit so I said I was unsure, the manager said to guess and I said I'd get back to her.

I've not worked for the last 18 months but before that I was off sick for 7 months with work related stress. I was bullied at work and had to raise an official grievance which was upheld and at the same time whistle blew about a serious safeguarding issue. Unfortunately the stress took its toll and in the end I took voluntary redundancy.

I now feel sick about answering this question in case they withdraw the job offer. I've emailed my new manager giving the dates and a brief explanation of the period I was off. I don't want them to think bad of me. Friends have advised me to lie but I can't do that. I'm a bit worried about the reference I'm going to get from my previous employer. I was never at fault or in question but I'm sure I caused some headaches. Do you think my new job is at risk because of me being off sick for 7 months over 2 years ago. I've not been in paid work since. One of my references is from a volunteer role I have been doing for the past 5 years so I'm hoping that saves me.

You need to be honest as it may come up at reference. A one-off extended period may be more ok though than a couple of days each month.

Oh dear, I would have advised you to lie. Your previous employer is not allowed to give out that information so they would never have found out.

Your new workplace cannot use this against you, but it will undoubtedly cause judgement.

I have been honest in the email. Maybe I should of mentioned it all during my induction when I was asked about sick days but I panicked and went blank and the best thing I could say at the time was that I'd get back to her which I have done. I said I was happy to answer any questions about it. In the same email I gave other details that she asked for. Her reply since has been Thankyou. I'm seeing her tomorrow so either she mentions it or doesn't, I will know better hopefully how it has gone.

@Chickenwing2

Oh dear, I would have advised you to lie. Your previous employer is not allowed to give out that information so they would never have found out.

Your new workplace cannot use this against you, but it will undoubtedly cause judgement.

This is inaccurate advice. I've written many references and on most they as for a percentage attendance. Some ask for explanation some don't.

I know they are contacting my references by post so I assume there will be a set of questions. I wasn't sure if they could ask about attendance but I thought it best to be honest in case they found out. I'd hate to be caught out plus I'd worry about it all the time. Just hope everything works out.