Can I attend interview whilst on sick

Fifer73

I have worked in the catering industry for over 15 years, worked up to head chef and kitchen manager level.

I got made redundent over 18 months ago, and although I managed to obtain a job after redundency its a very basic role, the company have already cut staff back to the bare minimum, and although i have voiced all my views with managment things remain the same.

I have never had a sick day in my working life, and always went to work,

Last friday I was given a sick line for 2 weeks due to back pain as i have been advised not to lift anything.

As I am looking to retrain in other areas and come out of catering, I have been looking for the past year for other employment in a more office role

If i get an interview in the up and coming fornight, can I still attend an interview should i get called for one? ( I think i am more thinking of the moral issue )
Would it be approprate to tell at the interview that i am actually on the sick at present ( or say nothing )

Any advice if anyone has been in a similar situation
Many thanks

Andy_L

Its gross misconduct & can get you fired for a 1st offence. Do you think telling your potential employer that would be approprate?

jdturk

if your asking the question you are asking for people to say yes because you know in your heart its wrong and not something you would do

ceridwen

Andy_L wrote: »

Its gross misconduct & can get you fired for a 1st offence. Do you think telling your potential employer that would be approprate?

Really? Do you have "chapter and verse" you can quote to prove that?:cool:

Uncertain

Andy_L wrote: »

Its gross misconduct & can get you fired for a 1st offence. Do you think telling your potential employer that would be approprate?

Absolute rubbish!!

If you are off sick it is because your doctor has ADVISED you to refrain from work because he considers this would be the best thing for your health.

Unless you have been "sectioned" or have a contagious disease it is up to you whether you follow that advice or not.

Nothing whatsoever says you have to stay in bed, or at home, during that time.

Obviously you should not act in a way that is likely to extend your illness.

If you are really bothered you could ask for that day to be treated as holiday but it is up to you.

jdx

Andy_L wrote: »

Its gross misconduct & can get you fired for a 1st offence. Do you think telling your potential employer that would be approprate?

Was going to quote but pressed the thanks instead.:laugh:

Anyway we don't know what it's down as in the OP's company handbook but gross misconduct? I don't think that will be it.

jdturk

Uncertain wrote: »

Absolute rubbish!!

If you are off sick it is because your doctor has ADVISED you to refrain from work because he considers this would be the best thing for your health.

Unless you have been "sectioned" or have a contagious disease it is up to you whether you follow that advice or not.

Nothing whatsoever says you have to stay in bed, or at home, during that time.

Obviously you should not act in a way that is likely to extend your illness.

If you are really bothered you could ask for that day to be treated as holiday but it is up to you.

It could be fairly argued that going to an interview is being in a work frame of mind and thus what the Doctor signed the OP of for and so if the OP went to an interview she would be fit for work (depending on the work obviously!)

orangeslimes

jdturk wrote: »

It could be fairly argued that going to an interview is being in a work frame of mind and thus what the Doctor signed the OP of for and so if the OP went to an interview she would be fit for work (depending on the work obviously!)

Yes but as the OP is off work due to back pain and not being able to lift anything...I think it is fair enough?

jdturk

good point, I have to say though that it is unfair on the company currently employing her and if she is on contractual pay then surely during the working hours of the day the OP should not be covorting other jobs?

Uncertain

jdturk wrote: »

good point, I have to say though that it is unfair on the company currently employing her and if she is on contractual pay then surely during the working hours of the day the OP should not be covorting other jobs?

I never said it was fair!

Just that I can't see how it could possibly be gross misconduct.

A qualified doctor has said the OP is, in his opinion, best advised to refrain from work. There is a big difference between attending a interview in a office for half an hour to working a full day standing up in a hot kitchen.

jdturk

Uncertain wrote: »

I never said it was fair!

Just that I can't see how it could possibly be gross misconduct.

A qualified doctor has said the OP is, in his opinion, best advised to refrain from work. There is a big difference between attending a interview in a office for half an hour to working a full day standing up in a hot kitchen.

Yes I agree, If I owned a business and found out that someone went for an interview whilst of sick (for whatever reason) I would be helping them on their way (And no not constructive dismissal before you put it lol!)