Transfer of sickness / absence records between employers...

gordon.hunter

Hi all,

1. When a corporate reference is provided to your next employer, what details are transferred over?

2. Can the reference be negative?

3. Do they provide number of sick days to your new employer?

4. Are they allowed to do this because it could adversely affect your chances of gaining new employment?

Your answers are appreciated.

Regards,

G

Uncertain

gordon.hunter wrote: »

Hi all,

1. When a corporate reference is provided to your next employer, what details are transferred over?

2. Can the reference be negative?

3. Do they provide number of sick days to your new employer?

4. Are they allowed to do this because it could adversely affect your chances of gaining new employment?

Your answers are appreciated.

Regards,

G

1. It depends! Some firms have a policy of giving only the most basic reference, others write essays!

2. Yes, they can say anything they like PROVIDING it is true and not deliberately misleading.

3. This is now more complex due to new rules. It is now unlawful for employers to ask health questions at interview for most jobs.

4. See 2 and 3

SarEl

Uncertain wrote: »

3. This is now more complex due to new rules. It is now unlawful for employers to ask health questions at interview for most jobs.

This is not strictly true. The employer can provide the number of days off sick if asked, and questions relating to health cannot be asked at interview - but both (and more) can be asked of anyone who they intend to offer a position to before they confirm that offer, and they may withdraw an offer without explanation.

Employers generally expect people to turn up to work and not to have substantial amounts of time off sick - so if you have a high sickness rate then it still can adversely effect your chances of getting new employment, and employers still can, and will, make decisions nased on this.

I would suggest that the OP has a poor attendance record, and that more accurate advice could be given if we knew what the problem was, rather than answering hypothetical questions

heretolearn_2

On sickness records

employers can't discriminate against someone for reasons of disability, and that can cover certain health issues.

However, if you have a poor attendence record for lots of minor things like colds, headaches, feeling sick etc etc etc you are essentially a skiver and an employer is quite within their rights not to want to employ you.

Uncertain

heretolearn wrote: »

However, if you have a poor attendence record for lots of minor things like colds, headaches, feeling sick etc etc etc you are essentially a skiver and an employer is quite within their rights not to want to employ you.

Maybe so.

The problem with hard numbers is that they can mislead.

For example somebody may have had one long period off sick with a serious problem which is now resolved.

Or, they could have amassed the same number of days by having a long weekend every time they sneezed.

gordon.hunter

SarEl wrote: »

I would suggest that the OP has a poor attendance record, and that more accurate advice could be given if we knew what the problem was, rather than answering hypothetical questions

I have been signed off by the GP for stress (anxiety is what I think is on the records) for a period of four weeks. Outwith this I have an impeccable attendance record and do not take days off here and there.

GavB79

I have had 183 days off this year. Don't think I'll be looking around for a while :cool:

gordon.hunter

GavB79 wrote: »

Don't think I'll be looking around for a while :cool:

That doesnt really make sense to me? What are you on about?

dmg24

gordon.hunter wrote: »

That doesnt really make sense to me? What are you on about?

GavB79 was simply sharing their own experience. Your response is very rude!

eamon

When I was in the process of starting my present role my new employers requested my absence record. On the surface it looked bad, 12 days in one year. I insisted that my old employer explain that this was one event that lasted 12 days (I had influenza) not 12 separate events. Context can be everything.

GavB79

gordon.hunter wrote: »

That doesnt really make sense to me? What are you on about?

I am suggesting that with my level of absence, I shall not be looking around for employment elsewhere as it may well count against me. Is that clearer now?