Disciplinary due to self-isolation?

SundaySundaay

Hi there, 
I recently had a bad cold, so had to get a Covid test and self isolate while waiting for the results. This was advised after contacting 111. Luckily the test was negative. But I had to take 2 days off work for this. Anyway, my work are classing this as a normal absence and I am having to go to an absence hearing due to this (I was off last year due to dental issues and a subsequent operation) but this seems highly unfair to be punished for following this advice. I also feel now at risk that if I had another cold (or Covid!) I could potentially get fired. Does anyone know if this is actually legal? There doesn’t seem to be anything legally protecting people from this. I feel very mistreated as I work like a horse, and I would not usually be off for something like a cold! Any advice would be very appreciated as I’m very worried.

hermante

How long have you worked for this employer?

Thrugelmir

A cold in isolation is no indication of having Covid. During the coming months there's the normal flu season. Hence the suggestion to have a jab. So as to reduce the confusion that may arise. 

ToxicWomble

Perfectly legal if that’s what their absence policy says.
I wouldn’t be too worried, the reviews are usually to identify Occupational issues or to weed out the skivers.
Just follow the process and keep calm.

gettingtheresometime

The way I would  see this is that it's a formality that has to be followed through regardless of the reasons why you were off.

That way everyone knows that if they're off x amount of time in a given period they will have to have an absence hearing so no one feels victimised.

Dr_Crypto

Don’t see what the issue is. The meeting will be a formality. “I had symptoms and thus got a covid test and returned to work once I had the results.” 

SundaySundaay

Thank you all for your replies. It does still seem unfair as Covid can have similar symptoms to a cold. So I was only following advice and being responsible about it, yet in theory I could lose my job down the line if it happened more times. It would be a choice of disciplinary procedure or protect colleagues - which I would obviously pick the latter! But it seems a very unfair position to be forced into, to possibly be dismissed for following government advice. I will have worked there 2 years by January. I will have to see what unfolds at the meeting. I understand procedures should be done for good reason, but there should be something to protect employees in this instance?

Thrugelmir

A return to work after absence meeting isn't disciplinary as such. 

GrumpyDil

Suppose the main question is did you have any of the specific Covid symptoms. If you did then shouldn't you be self isolating for the full 14 days despite the negative test. 

Hasbeen

SundaySundaay said:

Hi there, 
I recently had a bad cold, so had to get a Covid test and self isolate while waiting for the results. This was advised after contacting 111. Luckily the test was negative. But I had to take 2 days off work for this. Anyway, my work are classing this as a normal absence and I am having to go to an absence hearing due to this (I was off last year due to dental issues and a subsequent operation) but this seems highly unfair to be punished for following this advice. I also feel now at risk that if I had another cold (or Covid!) I could potentially get fired. Does anyone know if this is actually legal? There doesn’t seem to be anything legally protecting people from this. I feel very mistreated as I work like a horse, and I would not usually be off for something like a cold! Any advice would be very appreciated as I’m very worried.

It is perfectly normal to have a "Return to Work" interview after an absence.

You are not being punished.

It is not a disciplinary interview.

It is perfectly legal it is to safeguard both yourself and the company to ensure that you are fit to resume work.

I assume that this is your first job?   If you are worried take a Union Rep in with you, if there is one?

unholyangel

Have they specifically told you it's a disciplinary, what the outcome could be and that you have the right to take someone with you? 

If not, it's likely just a "back to work" chat and nothing to be worried about.