Sickness record concern

[ChristinaB1203]

Hi all,

Looking for some advice. I currently work in a school but have applied for some new jobs due to me whistleblowing and now essentially being bullied out.
I have got 3 interviews lined up.
My concern is I am worried about my sickness record if this comes up on references.

I have in the past 18 months had 2 miscarriages so had 2 weeks off for each of those and now an currently off with stress ( been off for 1 weeks).

Really worried they will see this and take away any offers I may get.

Anyone from HR got any advice. Should I be open and tell them at the point if they offer a job?

Pregnancy related sickness isn’t held against you OP so that should be ok

Can they include it on a reference though if they ask how many days off?

I'm sorry about your miscarriages OP.

I'm a hiring manager, and 3 short episodes of sickness in 18 months wouldn't raise any eyebrows, even if they weren't pregnancy-related (which isn't counted in the same way). I wouldn't bring it up.

Good luck with your interviews! I hope your next role is much happier.

No they can’t

Hopeful bump

If you've whistle blown and generally complained, they'll give you a good reference to get rid of you.

I'm sorry if your miscarriages were late.

Five weeks off sick in 18 months is dismal in my opinion.

HR by the way but I'd be pragmatic and give you a good reference.

HR here too and I’m not sure I’d use dismal to describe time off for miscarriages. Was that really what you meant PP?

Just to note, miscarriages are heartbreaking at any stage - late or not.

Pregnancy related absences cannot be noted as regular absences and if you dismissed someone because of this it would be discrimination. As youll obviously know if you work in HR.

OP - im so sorry for your losses, i wouldnt worry about the time off at all. Good luck x

OP you cannot be discriminated against for GP signed off leave due to pregnancy related illness. Coming law intends to formalise bereavement leave post-miscarriage , although it is likely to be unpaid. Your employer will be on thin ice if they declared these absences in a reference, which they would be advised not to do.

Thank you.

@SilkAndSparklesForParties I had 2 miscarriages, didn't chose to have 5 weeks off partying. I feel sorry if you work in HR. Maybe need to reconsider your wording.

Dismal? Have you read why OP took time off?

I hope you find a lovely new job OP.