Not a good sign? Doctors appointments during work hours and time off

[Beachbum1981]

Hi,

Can I ask a question?

I started a new job couple of months ago which I'm kind of now regretting from poor training, being threatened with dismissal if one should dare to be sick during probation, to what appears to be problems ever getting time off. Do you think I should cut my loses?

I gave a week's notice of a doctors appointment along with 100% proof of said appointment, booked as far late in day, rather then some random time, today it has turned into a saga, telling me I have to work time back through my lunch breaks. I'm not sure I understand they can do this for an appointment for a condition covered under the disability act? sorry if I phrase this wrong, I got told by Occupational Health in a previous company that I am covered by the Equality Act 2010 (a condition which was declared to the company on pre offer paperwork so they could have dropped me at that point) do their own policies supercede the advice when it comes to appointments related to a condition deemed covered under the act?

I wouldn't have minded if I was dropping them in it saying oh tomorrow I've an appointment but a week's notice and proof supplied when requested.

My next ill feeling is that I have given a month's notice for a single day next month and that came through as a decline before rota is published, making me think this isn't an easy company to book holiday or anything with.

Now I have looked up 'appointments during work time' (not handbook as such but direct in the employment contract) but I'm greeted with you must ask our permission before you even book and it transpires for hospital appointments, you can be expected to book full or half day's holiday, not complaining about this - but - I don't understand if they can so easily refuse a day's holiday as I've already experienced, what stops this becoming an issue to.
Or should I ask the reason why people can't get holiday is its taken up with medical appointment requests.

I'm just not understanding it people were allowed medical appointments early in training without paying back and it seems different rules are very much going on for different teams - other teams didn't get the same talk that our team got told don't phone in sick, unless you want to speed up losing your job. (instant dismissal I was told which again yes I fully understand, recognise and am not complaining at)

Thanks for any help, this is just making me think I really need to see this as ammunition to tender my resignation, I have two weeks to give which I'd surely be useless for as I haven't reached the end of 'training'. Working the time back ironically means I'm left unmanned and with no support from seniors in this regard too so it seems a little daft.

Poor training
Tricky over doctors appointments for which you've given notice and proof of appointment
Tricky over booking leave
What appear to be different rules for different teams re leave and sick days
No support

Cut your losses, OP. This isn't going to get any better.

Many thanks in my time of need, very fortunately we had a group meeting about Absences ironically given by another team manager today.

I've now seen a longer policy that does stipulate time does need to be made up, turns out the instant dismissal is also based on your performance should it be poor if you were to go sick so there was a bit more to the first version told.

Seems a crazy way to run an operation; two weeks notice for a day's holiday ordinally yet medical appointments take priority, do get the distinct overwhelming feeling it is all based on how well you get on with your Manager.

I've got a review next week and just know I cannot lie that I'm enjoying the job overall.

I would not want to work for a company like that. Out of interest what are their glassdoor reviews like?.
There are several red flags waving at you from your opening post.
Cut your losses.

🚩 🚩🚩🚩🚩

This is awful! I wouldn't work for an organisation like this.
What do you? Is this commonplace in your industry

It’s not unusual to have to work time back for appointments if you normally keep to your hours or are hourly paid.

have you asked why your holiday request was declined?

I would seek alternative employment then leave an honest review on glassdoor

What do you? Is this commonplace in your industry

Private Healthcare. Not a usual industry to me, I think it is common place sadly yes but an ex colleague worked for a 111 service and when they had an emergency hysterectomy they lost their job toward end of probation, which I thought odd if you've trained someone thoroughly and they seem to be doing a good enough job. (they may have had odd days off and not really telling me the whole truth of course) I've got a male team manager and I just don't feel comfortable telling a man some of my problems.

It’s not unusual to have to work time back for appointments if you normally keep to your hours or are hourly paid.

Yes I must give my head a wobble, after I posted yesterday I remember I've worked hours back as long as I've had the condition in other employment, so I must be getting muddled with the right to have time off to attend appointments under the act. In the early days there was an employer who said I was letting them know to late, but in the end changed their mind, let me go (which is how I'd learnt a lesson as say as soon as possible) but again I totally forgot next day after allowed appointment I arrived early to work time back.

have you asked why your holiday request was declined?

The employer waited a week after I put in request, then said no available slots so we decline your request. I've apparently nearly 80 colleagues.
I did bring it up today why if I can be declined holiday with notice on 4 weeks, what if I get a hospital letter that maybe only gives a week notice but suddenly that's ok.
It was left very much that I go talk to my Team Manager if ever in a situation. I've been a bit stupid saying one of my conditions is under gynae awaiting hospital appointment, again its the arrogant attitude of well have you told us, Yes! On the post offer medical form, wish I hadn't quite said that, guess it could be taken anyway.

There were reviews on glassdoor, but it was very fifty/fifty - some love it, some hate it calling it a bullying culture.

Working time back for medical appointments is normal where I work (NHS). I think the exception is pregnancy related appts.
Not being able to book a day off with a months notice is completely rubbish though.

Yes I get that work back time as I have well now done.

I guess I'll leave it till the occasion, rota say's oohh you can't have that week.

Sorry I'm totally feed up with lies of the company; even the have your birthday off benefit seems to be wrong: you are ok only if you have a birthday Monday to Friday. It 100% stinks.

I never had to make time up for hospital appointments (Civil Service) We just filled in a time off slip & it was just signed by line mangers.

You need to look for a new employer. Quit once you've secured a new role.

AGovernment arms length body - I work flexi and just have to tell my manager when my /DDs appointment is, pop it in my calendar and excuse myself from any meetings. My time irons itself out over my flexi-month.