Unauthorised day off = gross misconduct :-(

lush_walrus

littleboo wrote: »

Well no its not just a private matter, its part of who you are. All sorts of "private" matters are brought to work - people discuss families, holidays, hobbies, football politics. It would be very off if they weren't. People also need time off for these "private" things, and the problem with the OP is that he didn't follow the correct procedure hence why they are in trouble. A good employer will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate religious observance where possible.

No, a good employer is fair to all staff regardless of their extenuating circumstances. Should someone not sharing that religion be blocked from taking holiday that day to allow for religion then? Or should all people without children be forced to work school holidays?

As others have said this character could have organised themselves to ensure they booked the day off but they didn't. Instead they went against the wishes of their employer and perhaps put their colleagues under additional pressure for their own selfish needs.

I would most certainly want this person to be sacked if they worked for me and would instruct HR to look into the legalities of doing such.

NiallB

d70cw6 wrote: »

tried threatening your boss with a jihad?

Dude, seriously?

lexon123

d70cw6 wrote: »

tried threatening your boss with a jihad?

^^ Pathetic response!

OP - just be honest with your employer. Tell them why you had to take the day off and why it was so important to you. You'll probably get away with a warning but just don't do it again. In future plan your holidays in advance.

motorguy

m1nna wrote: »

I initially assumed this would be treated as an absence which would be unpaid (as on previous occasions but for diff reasons).

So this isnt the first time you've decided not to turn up for work on a particular day?

You do know they're running a business, not a drop in centre?

bugslet

That made me laugh motorguy!

Mr.Generous

how about taking a zero hours contract next time then you can actually pick and choose when you work. Mind you, guess how many hours they'd be offering you if you let them down?

Enterprise_1701C

You can't just take a day off without authorisation.

No idea what you do, but you are meant to work on the days you are scheduled to work on. If you are refused leave then you cant just not turn up because it is a religious festival.

There are a few jobs in this country where you have to work Christmas now, but the Christian festivals are the only ones that are generally considered as holidays in England, if you have knowledge of festivals you want time off for ahead of time then perhaps you should have applied for leave a little further ahead.

[Deleted User]

bod1467 wrote: »

OP doesn't say how long they have worked for the company ... if it's under 2 years then one suspects that the likelihood of dismissal may be higher.

I did think it was nearer or over 2 years as the OP said they done this before but for 'different reasons' which is why I'm also baffled they're trying to find an exist able loophole. They haven't been back on since they made this thread... How dare you wind the good people up of MSE and How did they not receive a phonecall on the day of being awol?!

Still I guess nobody is perfect, I remember when I booked a same day Couier y'know.. the equivalent of payday loan rate with flashing lights of such a service got charged to the boss, regardless of their absence it was very clear verbally that I would never make such a mistake again, let alone needing it written down (it's quite funny now I suppose)

anmarj

Sen they have posted on two other forums, but only responded to legal beagles

http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/showthread.php?83492-Unauthorised-day-off-gross-misconduct-(

sangie595

anmarj wrote: »

Sen they have posted on two other forums, but only responded to legal beagles

http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/showthread.php?83492-Unauthorised-day-off-gross-misconduct-(

That is because they are getting the answers they want to hear. Which, of course, does not mean the answers are correct. They asked for the day off. They were told no and told that there were not enough staff in to cover. So they took the day off anyway.