Signed off - do I need to tell potential new employer?

blissbaby

Hi
I am signed off (for approx 2 months) with work-related stress. I need to get another job that's less stressful. I have applied for a number of jobs - do I need to tell potential new employer that I am currently signed off with stress?
Thanks,
BB

scooby088

Yes as being signed off sick will effect you starting any new job. And what jobs do you see as less stressful?

ILW

What caused the stress?
Was it work related?

bendix

Too stressed to work at the existing job, yet not stress-related sick enough to not look for another job. Nice.

Which is it? The OP is either sick or they are not. If they are not sick, then they should be going back to work. If they are sick, they are not capable of looking for new jobs.

What is wrong with modern Britain?

SarEl

No you do not have to volunteer the information - but you should not lie if asked directly or asked to declare sickness records, as this could be viewed as a dismissable offence.

bendix

ILW wrote: »

What caused the stress?
Was it work related?

ILW . . everyone is stressed today. It's the modern condition.

It used to be called 'not being able to cope' or 'being flustered', but now it's an illness because NHS GPs get more pay if they see more people with bogus illnesses to justify their existence.

Nice, innit?

Tiddlywinks

bendix wrote: »

ILW . . everyone is stressed today. It's the modern condition.

It used to be called 'not being able to cope' or 'being flustered', but now it's an illness because NHS GPs get more pay if they see more people with bogus illnesses to justify their existence.

Nice, innit?

Harsh....

Whilst I agree that there seems to be a general overuse of the term "stress" or "work related stress" that doesn't mean that some do not suffer (and I don't use that term lightly) with real stress.

There is the normal reaction to the stresses and strains of daily life (we all get this from time to time) and then there is the bad STRESS that causes insomnia, palpitations, headaches, nausea, contributes to high blood pressure etc

This isn't just "being flustered" or "not being able to cope" it is very real to those experiencing it.

Work related stress can result from a poor person / job fit, workplace bullying, lack of control, poor working relationships... to name but a few.

To some it may well be a cop-out but please remember that to others it can be a very unfortunate condition indeed.

Torry_Quine

Even if you don't tell a potential employer it will come out. They will no doubt want to know you have left/ are leaving your current employer. Also when they write your reference it will say about sick time so my advice is be honest

hcb42

you dont have to say and it might not come out.

It depends on who knows, and whether they will be asked.

DCFC79

Bit of a log time no see OP, if your signed off work then you shouldnt be working for someone else unless your wanting to start work when your better but no idea how it works

robpw2

bendix wrote: »

Too stressed to work at the existing job, yet not stress-related sick enough to not look for another job. Nice.

Which is it? The OP is either sick or they are not. If they are not sick, then they should be going back to work. If they are sick, they are not capable of looking for new jobs.

What is wrong with modern Britain?

sadly the government , Atos and The DWP do not agree with your sentiment ,