Accessing sickness records in the NHS

Gardengirl_2

Hi, everyone I am new here and I hope someone can help. I had an admin job working in the NHS for 6 years which I left in June due to gaining a new manager who made my life hell to put it bluntly. Previous to this I loved my job, however things got so bad I had to go on sick leave for three weeks and then ultimately I left.

I am lucky enough to have an interview tomorrow for another NHS admin post in another area. Will they be able to access my sickness records?(I had only ever been off sick for a few days in 6 years prior to this).

I am really worried that this will stop me getting another job.

Thanks for your time.

anamenottaken

Gardengirl wrote: »

Hi, everyone I am new here and I hope someone can help. I had an admin job working in the NHS for 6 years which I left in June due to gaining a new manager who made my life hell to put it bluntly. Previous to this I loved my job, however things got so bad I had to go on sick leave for three weeks and then ultimately I left.

I am lucky enough to have an interview tomorrow for another NHS admin post in another area. Will they be able to access my sickness records?(I had only ever been off sick for a few days in 6 years prior to this).

I am really worried that this will stop me getting another job.

Thanks for your time.

I do not believe they would have direct access but could ask specific question of your previous employer if you used them as a referee.

Gardengirl_2

Thank you. I haven't used my previous manager as a referee. I am guessing though that they can access through electronic data?

ChopperST

I work in the NHS and provide references.

Your HR record is private and confidential and is held in accordance with the data protection act. An external organisation (even another NHS employer) does not have access to it without your consent.

If you have applied through NHS jobs you are required to give your current or most recent manager as a reference and they are obliged to provide a factual reference. They will therefore report to your new employer the number of days sick you had in your current employment. Other questions common on NHS reference requests I receive are "is the employee subject to or previous been subject to any disciplinary procedure?"

Again any reference has to be factual and not subjective in any way.

Hope this helps.

Quick edit - sadly bullying and harassment is not unknown in the NHS and many people move jobs because of this, if I were you I would be honest and upfront about this to your new employer as they will respect you for telling the truth. If its with another local trust or CCG then if this manager is as horrible as you say then it will probably be common knowledge...

Gardengirl_2

Thank you for your response. One of the main reasons I did not use my previous employer for a referee was because I only met her twice! She didn't even know me. She was never on site, however she bullied me through emails! Shocking isn't it?

I have been truthful in my application about why I left my previous post i.e. non support and non attendance of manager. However, if asked I will explain my circumstances.