Giving notice, stress, angry managers

bigman0507

All, first time post apologies if this isn't in the right place.

Fairly recently I handed in my notice at work to take advantage of a role that saves me 15 hours a week commuting. To say my notice was received poorly is an understatement. My manager and his colleague insinuated I was an idiot for leaving, how they've trained me and I've thrown it back in their faces and taking up a new position is selfish and "everyone will be lining up to give you flak now you've done this"

I've given 8 years service and have a 3 month notice period. I'm going to a competitor but I've not been put on gardening leave out of spite. More understandably they will not reduce my notice period.

I have two weeks leave shortly and I've been removed from any and all projects of interest to our competitors. On my return it's been indicated they intend to find menial odd jobs for me to do which pose no risks for confidentiality and as my manager hinted I've had several rather unpleasant conversations with colleagues who are branding me a traitor and saying I "lack bottle" and have "given up"

I feel so stressed and dread going into work every day now, my life is being made a misery by the working environment and attitudes towards me but I've been told when I've raised concerns to be careful as company sick pay (which we get for 8 weeks) is discretionary and will be held back if they aren't satisfied with the circumstances.

My question is should a GP sign me off work with stress are the company entitled to challenge that ruling and withhold company sick pay? The money doesn't mater as much as my health but with no money I'll not be able to pay bills.

Any and all advice gratefully accepted

paddyrg

One thing comes to mind - that 3 month notice period, is it symmetrical (they also give you 3 months notice)? Are you in a profession where it's reasonable? Or could it be an unreasonable, punitive clause in your contact? It may be worth having a professional look it over as it may be you can actually start your new job in a month or even sooner if they want you to stay on to sort the right handed paperclips from the left as "punishment”.

gettingtheresometime

3 months is 12 weeks, 2 of which you aren't there.

Even if they do get you to do office junior type jobs I'd do them as presumably you'll still get your level of pay. Personally I'd go in with a spring in my step knowing that in a few short weeks (and believe me the weeks will fly by) you'll be saving yourself 15 hours a week.

It does sound that if you decided to go on the sick that company sick pay would be withheld and again personally I wouldn't give them the satisfaction. What does your contract say re sick pay?

pioneer22

This could just leave say you are working 4 weeks notice etc and go.

They could call breach of contract, they might not do anything. Legally they could challenge you.

Is it worth speaking to HR? To try and get an early release or PILON?

elsien

What is the written company policy for sick pay? - you need to look up what the procedures actually say, as opposed to what you've been told verbally.

If you've worked there for 8 years, surely you have some supportive colleagues? So just ignore the idiots, safe in the knowledge they're probably just jealous.

bigman0507

Thanks for the replies everyone. The policy on sickness states "The payment of Company sick pay is entirely at the discretion of the Company and the Company reserves the right to withhold payment if it is not satisfied with the circumstances of the absence or if Company procedures are not adhered to."

It's just an office-based industry similar to marketing, whether 3 months is reasonable or not I don't know but it is symmetrical

Whether I can stay and see it out depends entirely how people treat me I think. I've broad shoulders but some people have such a high opinion of themselves and the "cult" that exists to worship our company that it can be really difficult to take

TELLIT01

Easier said than done, but try to switch off from the office politics and childishness of both managers and your supposed colleagues. You'll be out in a few weeks, and to be honest, well out of it with people like that to work with.

maninthestreet

Have they provided your new employer with references for you yet?

redpete

Being made to feel uncomfortable and not enjoying work would not merit a Dr signing you off with 'stress', although of course there might be more serious symptoms would have not shared with us.

Detroit

You should avoid going sick. If your employers are as malicious as you say they could inform your new company of this. Presumably they will be approached for a reference, and even if they've given one already, there's nothing to stop them feeling they should update it in light of new information.

While you could explain your reasons to your new employer, it doesn't inspire a company with confidence if their new recruit is on prolonged sick leave in their previous job. Worst case scenario the offer could be withdrawn.

Regarding the 'menial' jobs, I don't think this is unreasonable. There is no right to garden leave, and they are entitled to utilise you while they are paying you.
Understandably they don't want to allow you access to anything commercially sensitive now, so are probably limited in what you can be given to do. Or at least this would be their argument.

Could you negotiate an earlier departure or are they determined to make you honour your notice period?

If not, I agree with the advice to go in, keep your head down and know you haven't long to go. It's not nice, but snidey comments from people you'll soon never see again shouldn't be impossible to put up with for a few weeks.

If you feel strongly enough, you could use the grievance procedure.
Fulfilling their obligations under this can be time consuming for employers, and if they know you'll go this route they may make sure the unpleasantness is stopped to avoid the hassle for themselves.

lush_walrus

Sounds horrid, but as others have said go in every day with a spring in your step. Take their attitude as a reminder that you are doing the right thing. Get yourself a calendar and mark the days off everyday you are getting closer to leaving.

I wouldn't go down the route of going sick, they are pretty much goading you to do it so rebel against that.

You really need to summon all your strength to get through it and you will. If you show no interest in their games they will subside.