Absence management meeting stage 1

[BitterTits]

I had four days off within a twelve month period (I challenged a fifth which was a one day absence while awaiting a PCR and had that removed).

Two were linked. I went to work both days but was unwell enough to have to leave - I saw a GP as an urgent appointment but was misdiagnosed. I went back to work for another two days, then had to leave and see a different GP who prescribed antibiotics - went to work again the following day but this is counted as two absences.

The next absence was two days back in October. I teach in a secondary school and had warned the head that I was finding teaching in Covid conditions with little mitigation and increased workload / expectations extremely stressful. Nothing changed and after trying to manage it for a year I had to leave work one day to speak to GP about anti-depressants, which were prescribed. Two days absence that time.

I got the absence warning letter at the start of the Christmas holidays. It was very upsetting to me - I've worked so hard to try to give my pupils the experience I'd hope for for my own DCs. The letter and looming meeting was on my mind the whole holiday.

Went back to school last week and my meeting is tomorrow but I'm just utterly miserable and worried about it. I get the they're following a protocol but I don't understand why this had to wait months between the last absence and the letter.

What should I expect from the meeting? I really want to just leave now, but would I have to disclose this to a prospective employer?

If it anything like nhs sickness policy.
Why were you off. What did you do about being off. Did you keep contact with work.
They may link the 2 episodes
Verbal warning , don't be off more than twice in the next 6 months .
It goes on your record then after 6 months goes

I don't know what to expect, sorry but this seems very harsh. I think stage 1 will probably just be a chat.
Have you checked whether or not your Union rep should be there too?

It should be a chance for them to discuss how you are and whether there is anything work related that caused the absences

This is actually a chance to have it on record that stress due to your unsafe work environment contributed to your absence. They should use this meeting to identify how they can support you better.

Try to relax tonight, have a warm bath etc. You have done NOTHING wrong and have nothing to apologise for.

Ask for and expect their support tomorrow. Go in with that expectation. They have a duty of care towards you as their employee.

Good luck, I'm sure it will be fine (although if it were me I would be super stressed, so I do empathise).

💐💐

I'm a manager in public sector, so not school but similar (children services). Stage one is not normally something to worry about at all, try not to worry. It should be an opportunity to meet to discuss what if anything work can do to mitigate further work absences. You sound very anxious and evidently you've previously required ADs, I'd be talking to them about how you are feeling and what support you feel you need to stay in work. This meeting is as much about a duty of care to the employee. Obviously if there is a pattern of absence (missing Mondays for example) then the employer may take it as an opportunity to revisit expectations etc. But in your situation please don't worry or stress about it.

Ok. You've had 4 days off whilst working in a frontline role during a pandemic. That's actually remarkably good I would say.

Acquaint yourself with your school's sickness and absence policy and any set "triggers" for absence management. That policy should also outline the purpose of meetings but usually a first meeting is to discuss the reasons for absence, if they're likely to reoccur and if any support can be put in place to prevent further absence.

It might be helpful to make some notes about times you discussed your mental health with the head and that you didn't receive any support at that point and what support is available now that it is causing absence.

Are you in a union?

Thank you for the reassurance, I half expected a ticking off. I think I'm more worried about it because I asked for support a long time before taking a short time off, but the pressures only increased. I suppose I could view it as an opportunity to try to improve working conditions.

I'm in a union but there's no rep.

Husband is deputy head at secondary school. Says they will just end up saying it's a 'supportive meeting' and to see how they can help you etc etc. Nothing to worry about

@BitterTits

I'm in a union but there's no rep.

Find out the details of your branch secretary and give them a call. Tell them you don't have a local rep and you want some reassurance and advice.

Christ, that seems harsh. I don't know if I'm extraordinarily lucky where I am, but by the end of Term 2 (so, 17.12) I was the only TA not to have had days off since the beginning of the academic year. And some had the best part of two weeks. And I don't think anyone turned a hair. Four days in 12 months, when you're a teachers, against the backdrop of Covid, seems eminently reasonable.

Yes, it was a bit of a shock to get the letter, especially as I'd actually been in school on 3 of the 4 days.

We do these as standard. Discuss reasons for absence ask If you need any support etc. They feel pointless a lot of the time but are procedure.

@BitterTits, unfortunately it's the system, but I am surprised that this level of absence has merited an absence review meeting. (I'm not calling you a liar, BTW, just saying it seems a bit premature.)
I'm a teacher (MAT) too, and have currently been off work for 16 weeks. I've already had an 'informal' meeting with HR, and am currently expecting another one soon.
I'd suggest you contact your union area rep, and tell your school you will not be able to attend until you have spoken to your union rep.
Best of luck.

I think my take home from it will be to make sure that I don't go in until I feel well enough in future - the one issue split over two days is ridiculous.