signed off. can I be sacked ?

silvershot

Need some advice.

I started a new job at a hospital as a health care assistant in October, a few days after starting I was sick at work and sent home I was told not to return for 48 hours. At the start of this month I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, I started have bad panic attacks and became very emotional. I went to my gp who gave me tablets bit said they would not begin to work until 3-4 weeks. My line manager then referred me to occupational health who have now signed me off work until my tablets start to work, I have also agreed to attend councellig. However I am now very worried that I could lose my job and it is stressing me out.

Could I lose my job.

London50

Hi

I am sorry to hear just what you are going through but as the law stands you can be dis missed by any company for no reason in the first two years of working for them. Only after that do you have any comeback if you think your removal has been unfair.
All I can say is just follow what the company has asked of you and see how things go.

silvershot

I have agreed to everything they have asked such as attending counselling and attending occupational health I just get so worried that my mental state at the moment will cost me my job. My career is everything and I'm embarrassed as it is that I am suffering I'm clearly not as strong as I thought.

chella

no need to be embarrassed OP , we all have times in our lives that are difficult. Just do everything occ health ask of you, which you already are. Your GP is correct, the pills can take some time to kick in, but take each day one step at a time. Best wishes to you x

silvershot

chella wrote: »

no need to be embarrassed OP , we all have times in our lives that are difficult. Just do everything occ health ask of you, which you already are. Your GP is correct, the pills can take some time to kick in, but take each day one step at a time. Best wishes to you x

Thank you, the doctor at occupational health was a lovely lady and was very supportive. When she said I was not fit for work it made me panic through fear of getting in trouble as although the sister of my ward has been supportive the matron is a bit funny so I feel very pressured.

London50

I agree with Chella, this is not something you have done to yourself,the medication will as your GP has said take a time to be effective and as you are on he early stages of the pills you are not going to see a change overnight. Take things one step at a time, what will be will be and worrying about it both will not change the situation and will only worsen the medical problem you have.
I know saying do not worry is easy for others not in your position but try to focus on the main thing that is first getting better then being the best health care assistant you know you can be. Good luck :0)

silvershot

Like I said I feel very pressured at the moment and the fact I have been signed off has made my stress worse

rising_from_the_ashes

Sorry to hear things are a bit tough just now

Have you got a copy of the sickness policy?

If not, is there anyone you know well enough to ask to send one / could you ask your HR dept to send one to you

It will really depend on what's written in there .... eg our work view absences in 2 ways - 'disciplinary' if you're off with no underlying
health condition and 'capability' if you do have one with each being treated differently

You really need to find out what the policy is / what the steps in it are etc

Good luck

silvershot

rising_from_the_ashes wrote: »

Sorry to hear things are a bit tough just now

Have you got a copy of the sickness policy?

If not, is there anyone you know well enough to ask to send one / could you ask your HR dept to send one to you

It will really depend on what's written in there .... eg our work view absences in 2 ways - 'disciplinary' if you're off with no underlying
health condition and 'capability' if you do have one with each being treated differently

You really need to find out what the policy is / what the steps in it are etc

Good luck

All I know is they use something called the Bradford scoring system but I'm not sure how it is effected with long term illness,s or conditions. I tried to get information about it on the Internet without a lot of luck

asajj

Hi Silver - sorry to hear you have had some though days. I had a similar problem last year myself and my firm was understanding thankfully.

It can be worrying I agree but you should focus on feeling better first. This will help you go back to work quicker.

Talking to someone from HR or your manager might help.

silvershot

asajj wrote: »

Hi Silver - sorry to hear you have had some though days. I had a similar problem last year myself and my firm was understanding thankfully.

It can be worrying I agree but you should focus on feeling better first. This will help you go back to work quicker.

Talking to someone from HR or your manager might help.

I am trying to focus myself but it's still fresh so it's always at the back of my mind. The sister of my ward is a lovely lady although she does not understand my condition she is very supportive. The matron on the other hand well she is the worst person to be around when you have just been diagnosed