New NHS job offer but previous sickness - will this affect things?

Mockingjays

Apologies if there's a similar thread, I couldn't see anything ...

I've been offered a new admin job in the NHS and the next stage will be for them to take up references. I've seen from the NHS recruitment website that one of the questions on the reference form is about sickness in the past two years. I have had some sickness absence in that time - although none this year (illness, not duvet days) and not sure if this might be a problem. My GP is supportive of me changing jobs, however I have two questions if anyone can help:

1) Would details of sickness absence mean they'll automatically withdraw the job offer or would I have chance to see occ health first (as according to website new employees have a health check)?

2) If the job offer is withdrawn and my manager has given a reference, they'll obviously know I've looking for another job. (I hasten to add I wouldn't resign until it's definite.) Could my manager then sack me for looking for alternative employment, or would it be a case of me keeping my head down until a few more months have passed and my sickness record would be better?

Thanks very much to anyone who's able to help.

FBaby

I am assuming you had a conditional offer subject to reference? It's impossible to say whether they would consider withdrawing the offer based on your sickness level. It would depend on the number of occasions, the length, the reasons for the sickness leave, and most importantly, it will depend on the manager. They are likely to consider it very differently if they are replacing someone who was constantly off sick, causing problem to the team and as a result, and which main priority will be to find someone reliable compared to someone who happen to be off sick themselves often.

No, your manager cannot sack you for looking for another job. They could sack you for no reason at all if you have less than 2 years employment (with the NHS), but this is very unlikely to happen.

You could take the initiative to contact them to explain your sickness level, could also take it upon yourself to gather what it's been since you've started employment within the NHS/the previous 5 years to show that this year was truly an outlier.

DomRavioli

It is unlikely you will see OH unless you have a diagnosed condition or are being investigated for such - I've only had two instances in 10 years of OH involvement, both for people with chronic health conditions.

You can be sacked without reason with less than two years service in your current role as said above

Sncjw

I had sickness due to my deafness in my old job and I explained this on the form. They probably want to know so they can determine if you see oh. Oh will help to support ways to keep you in work ideally. I went to my oh review and they were fine with it.

I know of nurses who got special washing soap as normal one was braking their skin.

Sncjw

Your manager should be aware people actually do look for work so shouldn't be that nasty

Mockingjays

Thanks to everyone's who's responded, I appreciate you taking the time to do so.

My current job isn't in the NHS and I've been there nearly 10 years, so at least they can't just randomly sack me for looking for another job if this one doesn't work out.

Miss_Moneysaver

Hi,


I would be honest with them if they ask but I doubt they will retract the offer.
Hope it works out for you.