New job - no pay

Jet

I started a new job last Thursday. I was due to work Thursday and Friday and this week was going to be pre booked holiday.

2 hours before the end of the day, my son, who I live with, messaged me telling me he had a positive LFT and symptoms. He immediately booked a PCR.

I told my new employers and they immediately sent me home. I had no legal duty to inform them but thought it was the “right” thing to do. I live in England.

I have since developed symptoms and have had a positive PCR myself. My employers know this. They asked that I didn’t mention them to track and trace. 

I was due to be paid today but haven’t been so far. I help deal with the payroll so I know this is the case. I literally organised this on my first day there.

I am not too bothered about being paid if I’m going to get it next month but I suspect they haven’t paid me to deny that I’m yet an employee (I have no contract). I suspect they don’t want to have to deal with the admin of possible sick pay if I am off for more than the 10 days. (I understand they can claim any SSP back).

My DP thinks I’m lucky if they keep the job open for me.

My friend thinks they’re out of order for denying me pay and potentially sick pay.

it’s not really about the money but more about the principal. 

I do understand it’s not great for them to have an employee for only 6 hours and then have to potentially pay sick pay.

But ultimately I haven’t done it on purpose.

Bradden

Is there a question? I may have missed it. In general terms you may be right.. personally, I would wait and see what happens. I would think they might be waiting to see if you come back and will pay you the 6 hours on next months payroll.
The worry for me would be potentially upsetting someone over 6 hours pay and being dismissed for having a poor attitude in their eyes.

Jet

I suppose I’m worried I might have long term effects of covid and I won’t get any sick pay if they’re denying I’ve been working there. 

It’s one of those situations where I’ve been unlucky timing wise. In my old job, I’d obviously be getting ssp. Now I’ll get nothing.

onashoestring

You say that don’t have a contract ?  Why did you leave your previous job, before you had agreed a contract with your new employer? Or are you self employed? 

Jet

Not self employed.

They told me they’d give me a contract on the first day which they didn’t.

Torry_Quine

As you only started last week you may not have been paid this month anyway even if not ill.

Employers don't claim SSP back anymore but if entitled they have to give it. If you aren't entitled then you might be able to get ESA or Universal credit. 

Sadly they could sack you.

Jet

I guess I’ll just have to wait and see. Hope I recover quickly.

[Deleted User]

Brits have few rights in the first couple of years of employment so yes, I think you will be lucky to hang on to your job.

The only bit of leverage you have is that they don't want you to tell Test & Trace. Obviously that's immoral and endangering other people, but then again T&T has been found to be pretty much a waste of billions of Pounds, but the point is that if they fire you now there is no reason for you to keep silent about it.

I don't suppose you have proof that they asked you to do that, e.g. an email? It would strengthen your position greatly.

Jet

[Deleted User] said:

Brits have few rights in the first couple of years of employment so yes, I think you will be lucky to hang on to your job.

The only bit of leverage you have is that they don't want you to tell Test & Trace. Obviously that's immoral and endangering other people, but then again T&T has been found to be pretty much a waste of billions of Pounds, but the point is that if they fire you now there is no reason for you to keep silent about it.

I don't suppose you have proof that they asked you to do that, e.g. an email? It would strengthen your position greatly.

No, that was said on the phone. She said she’d “prefer it” if I didn’t mention them.

Nothing in writing.

Kim_kim

Jet said:

[Deleted User] said:

Brits have few rights in the first couple of years of employment so yes, I think you will be lucky to hang on to your job.

The only bit of leverage you have is that they don't want you to tell Test & Trace. Obviously that's immoral and endangering other people, but then again T&T has been found to be pretty much a waste of billions of Pounds, but the point is that if they fire you now there is no reason for you to keep silent about it.

I don't suppose you have proof that they asked you to do that, e.g. an email? It would strengthen your position greatly.

No, that was said on the phone. She said she’d “prefer it” if I didn’t mention them.

Nothing in writing.

I think that’s outrageous they’ve asked you this!

you
might not be paid because you started after the cut off date for payroll.  So if you were expecting money today, then it would have left your employer on Friday to be with you Wednesday morning.  

Then they would have had to run the payroll prior to this.  They shut down for about 3/4 days in my work.  So anyone added after the Monday last week wouldn’t be paid.