I'm ill and my work want me back tomorrow!!!Please help

Bettyboop

Hi All,

I need your advice again. My little girl and I are both sick. She is three and became ill on Thursday. I became ill probably from her but on Saturday. I let work know that I wouldn't be in today. My little one started vomitting this morning and although I'm not at that stage yet I called my doctor explained what was going on with her and me (I took her in on Thursday by the way).

But

today he phoned and left a message on my voicemail saying that I have had a lot of time off sick (The last time was sometime last year) and could I please be in tomorrow. I explained to my doctor that my work is far from understanding when one is ill and could have give me a letter to give to them. He has written it out and I need to get it and take it to work. I just don't know what to do now. I have no family to help me with the childcare even if I can pull myself together for tomorrow and her father can't take time off as he is on call this week.

What is best to do. I'm just irritated by him saying I have had a lot of time off when it's it DEFINITELY Not true and even so I'm starting to feel like I have done something wrong for staying home because I'm sick. I spent all weekend in bed taking loads of paracetamol so I would be 100% for today but I'm not yet.

I just feel like crying.............. I need to call work but don't know what to say.

hjb123

Dont cry about it, try and be strong - I know its easier said than done, Ive been there and know how hard it is, you cant help being ill

How long have you worked at this company? How much time have you had off?

It may be worth getting some advice from ACAS or the CAB to see if they can offer advice and help if your boss continues to be a *****!

Have you rung your boss to say you wont be back in tomorrow?

Bettyboop

hjb123 I haven't called yet...I don't know what to say? Firstly I want to remind him that I haven't been off ill. I think I probably had 3-4 days off last year. I have been there almost 20 months.

They really needed me today but what else can I do? I can do my best to go in and will probably faint or something with what I have but must I take my sick 3 yr old with me? I sometimes think employers can be so mis-understanding!!!!!!!!!!!!

TOBRUK

Phone your work and say that you won't be in tomorrow that you are too ill! I know it is horrible but you must do it. I know you are dreading it ... what will he say etc but you can't help being ill, and if your doctor says you are not fit to work he can't do a thing about it. Don't let them bully you. Just phone and say that it is impossible for you to work tomorrow, say that you have a letter from your doctor but can't bring it in until you are well enough - read it out to him if you can.

If you phone and he starts asking questions and tries to talk about your situation over the phone, tell him that you can't discuss anything now that you are too ill to do so.

Bettyboop

Has just left another message saying I have had a lot of time off sick and that I must go in all day tomorrow (I only work till 13:00 on a Tuesday)!

TOBRUK

Look, don't put it off just phone them now this minute, I know it is difficult especially when you are feeling so rough. Pick up the phone, say that you are too ill to come in tomorrow ... if they start saying you have to come in etc etc just say your doctor has written a letter and you are too sick to discuss anything over the phone now.

Don't worry, we'll be here to give you support - the phonecall will probably make you cry but hey, you can find a shoulder here

Gambler

Bettyboop wrote:

Has just left another message saying I have had a lot of time off sick and that I must go in all day tomorrow (I only work till 13:00 on a Tuesday)!

sounds like a right little Hitler, phone up, be concise and tell him to stop harassing you.

Jo_F

Has the doctor said what is wrong with you and your little un? cos sometimes if it is something like food poisoning, then you are not allowed to attend work if you have to deal with food.

If it is food poisoning, then you can just tell your boss that if you come in then there is a chance that everyone will come down with it. Remind him how quick some of these things can spread!

Bettyboop

I couldn't phone him so I phoned a lady in HR and asked her to phone him on my behalf. I explained that I am ill and have a letter from the Dr booking me off all week. If I am much better on Wednesday I will be it changed. I hate being at home but I don't understand where he gets this - "you have had so much time off sick etc" it's not true at all. I don't even know which time he is referring to. It's even more irritating saying that I must come in all day tomorrow because I had to day off. Because one is sick it doesn't mean they have to make that time up! as far as I know. I'll go back when I'm well enough but I have a horrible feeling about all this. I'm sure he will be angry that I asked the HR lady to tell him I won't be in and then secondly I may find myself without a job. If that's the case I don't know how we will manage.

I'm seperated from my husband, I work part time, get tax credits and some help with my rental every month. In the worst case scenario if I were to be dismissed would the council pay all my rent. I don't know where else to get advice but even though it feels like I am being bullied he may be trying to dismiss me constructively if that make sense?

Any further help appreaciated. Thanks

Bettyboop

Jo-F I can't be very specific in case these boards are read by anyone from work but we have flu like symptoms, headaches, bodyaches, sweating and we are vomitting....little one started this morning and I did this afternoon.

lesandflynny

Keep those messages whatever you do.

Can your Mum call for you or somebody, he has no right what so ever to call and pester you whilst you are poorly, even if you had had a lot of time off.

Ask somebody to call to say you are very poorly, will call when you feel a little better to discuss your return date and that he is asked not to phone whilst you are poorly as the messages are distressing you. Tell them that you will be sending in a certified note from your GP to ensure you follow policy.

After 12 months you have all your rights and I know this is sensitive but be strong: when you are ready to talk to him call and say you are feeling a little better and indicate a day for your return. Ask him for a formal back to work interview where you wnat to be accompanied by a colleague or family member. Any reasonable employer would accomodate this.

Post us and let us know what he says we will then prepare you for the back to work interview, it sounds to me like he does not know his HR policy as he is in total breach of it calling and harrassing you.

Give me his number i'll call (;> bl--dy bully