employer not allowing me to go for interviews

bike_saving_expert

Hi Today i got offered an interview at Bank of ireland. The interview is for the 7/11. I told my employer as soon as i heard and they said I could not go as we did not have enough cover. Obviously they do not have to let me go however if this is going to harm my development I need to think logically about this.

With this response I kind of have a few choices.

I was going to write a letter asking for time of unpaid to attend. I would ask for a written response.

I am an upstanding person so I would not consider pulling a sickie particularly after saying i have an interview.

Going forward however if being honest does not work I will happily act in my own interests and take a day sick if necesary

Any thoughts ?

HappyMJ

If you're wanting to leave anyway you could just go to the interview....but if you don't get the job you could be dismissed for gross misconduct and then you'll be without an income.

Try speaking with BOI and see if you can rearrange the interview. I think they thought them making it the 7/11 would have fitted around most people doing a Mon-Fri 9-5 job but didn't know you are the one working that day. Are you off any weekday in the next 10 days?

ricardinho88

I've never even bothered asking for time off for an interview, I've always pulled sickies tbh. I just presumed I'd get laughed out of the building if I asked for time off to attend an interview.

daytona0

bike_saving_expert wrote: »

I am an upstanding person so I would not consider pulling a sickie particularly after saying i have an interview.

Don't be deluded by the "upstanding person" mantra. The employer likely doesn't care about you beyond the fact that your bum is on the seat and making their life easier.

That being said, employers are generally ok with interview requests. I have been honest with my recent employer without problem. I did, however, work half days when the interview was and had to make up the hours that week (maybe an idea for you?).

Ultimately you have to go to the interview (or forever be stuck). I would suggest one of two things:

1. Go in and offer to make up the hours elsewhere (maybe do a half day as well etc). Maybe even ask round for cover/favours. Make it clear that you won't be in work at the interview times though.

2. Just ring in sick on the day. Pick a 'safe' sickness which doesn't require doctors notes etc (extreme chundering, violent eruptions from the south). Say you should be in work the next day but will let them know if you aren't.

The beauty of number 2 is that they'll have nothing on you other than speculation. You'll get a return to work interview, maybe a warning and that's it (usually! depending on your contract/circumstances etc). The only "upstanding people" in the workplace are the ones who work hard and pursue their goals by whatever means necessary (jerks not included).

sangie595

You have already told them about the interview. Pull a sickie and you can be dismissed for gross misconduct. Do you think that would look good on the reference? If you cannot agree any way of going to the interview with the employer, tell them the truth and tell them you are taking the day (assuming you need a full day) and don't expect to be paid for it. Better to get dismissed - if, indeed, that is what happens - for the truth than to be dismissed for lying and pulling a sickie. No potential employer wants a liar on their staff, or someone who can't be trusted to actually be ill when they phone in sick.

asajj

I'd talk to BOI and ask whether they can re-schedule (out of office hours etc).

daytona0

sangie595 wrote: »

You have already told them about the interview. Pull a sickie and you can be dismissed for gross misconduct. Do you think that would look good on the reference? If you cannot agree any way of going to the interview with the employer, tell them the truth and tell them you are taking the day (assuming you need a full day) and don't expect to be paid for it. Better to get dismissed - if, indeed, that is what happens - for the truth than to be dismissed for lying and pulling a sickie. No potential employer wants a liar on their staff, or someone who can't be trusted to actually be ill when they phone in sick.

I think this is a bit dramatic in honesty. Not everyone hates "liars", especially in situations like this! OP has tried to be reasonable with the employer and they didn't reciprocate. The "lying" would be in order to pursue their own goals. It would show a level of ambition and determination to some people!

That point aside, it is unlikely to end up as gross misconduct. Remember but OP could wake up on that day GENUINELY ILL. What does he do then? Go in and stink up the work toilet until he gets sent home? Nah you ring up and say that you're too sick to work! How can a company possibly justify sacking a genuinely ill person under gross misconduct? It is a huge gamble for them to take...

OP, you can help yourself by booking in a GP appointment and getting some "proof" of visiting. Maybe get a prescription or a signed letterhead etc.

One person I worked with pulled a sickie with dry eye! They were asked to prove it so they brought in a prescription receipt for over the counter eye drops! :beer: I haven't needed to pull a sickie with this current employer because they give me time off (and I make the hours back).

chuckley

you seriously went to ur boss asking for time off for an interview?
this is a joke right?

WHO does that?

Why didn't you just book the day off?

GothicStirling

Now that you've let them know that you are actively looking for another job, you've put a noose around your neck.

discat11

Employer didn't reciprocate?
Sorry I simply don't agree with the assumption the present employer is being 'difficult' for the sake of it.

There will be a minimum period of notice before a day can be taken in your contract or the employers policy document, if it's less than is contractually required they do not have to give you the time off, and whilst most employers will consider late requests for time off (provided you have leave outstanding) they also have to consider their own business interests 1st clearly.

Pulling a sickie is your choice -however now you've forewarned them of the
day you want off it will look extremely suspicious if you do this.

The very least you should worry about if you do do this is a refusal to give a reference if you get offered the job and the lack of trust the employer may have if you don't.

If for any reason your present employer believes they can prove you are not genuinely too ill to attend work on the day then it is possible you could be fired for gross misconduct, no notice, no pay in lieu of notice, marched off the premises -the whole shebang.

chuckley

GothicStirling wrote: »

Now that you've let them know that you are actively looking for another job, you've put a noose around your neck.

EXACTLY!

If it's longer service, they'll probably bully them to leave now.