Can my temporary employment be ended because I'ver had a few days off?

crispsandwich

I have a lower back problem (it's a problem with the lowest disc) that has plagued me for about 2 years. I had to temporarily give up my Nurse training for something less strenuous 2 months ago and I'm hoping to re-start in May. I have a job through an agency which suits me (in the sense that there's no real physical work). The 'assignment' is due to last a few more weeks. I've been there 8 weeks and had 2 days off already (today is one of them). This week my back is as bad as it's ever been. Being sat in my chair all day makes my back ache really badly. Anyhow, I've booked a doc's appointment to get more painkillers for mid next week.

My question is, could I be let go because of my time off? The employer knows about my back problem (in this case the place I'm working) and so if I tell them it's because of my back, could they just let me go because I'm 'unreliable'?

I can't afford not to work but I can't afford to do my back in and not be able to go back to training as a Nurse (which some would say is the stupidest thing ever anyway).

The pain is so bad at the moment. I'm almost in tears.

G-G_4

Oh dear! That sounds awful..

My first question is about the nurse training.. My sister is a nurse and so it's a very hands on kind of job, how will you manage with your back?

Also, is there anything that can be done to help your back at all?

I don't know much about temp contracts when it comes to sickness, but I should think that they could dismiss you if they wanted to as your contract is with the agency and not the employer.. I'm not 100% on this though, so hopefully someone can clarify.

All the best, hope you feel better tomorrow

x

liney

Temps can be let go at any time by the client or the agency.

In short, yes they could let you go because you have taken time off.

Voyager2002

Leaving that job might be a good move for you.

Getting well has to be your first priority. A few pounds in earnings are not worth it if your job puts your back under strain and delays your recovery.

Please ask you doctor for advice about sitting, breaks and so forth, and don't do anything against medical advice.

As for the job, if you have been there for less than a year you probably have no security at all. However, would they be able to find anyone as good as you AND more "reliable" without paying more? If not (and I think it unlikely) then they may well prove helpful and understanding.

Conor_3

Voyager2002 wrote: »

Leaving that job might be a good move for you.

Getting well has to be your first priority. A few pounds in earnings are not worth it if your job puts your back under strain and delays your recovery.

Seconded. I took 10 months off to get my back sorted after a couple of years of trying to struggle taking the odd day off didn't work and I ended up barely able to walk.

Best thing I did.

BTW, sitting around is the worst thing you can do. Take plenty of painkillers and try to move as normally as possible.

ohreally

crispsandwich wrote: »

I can't afford not to work but I can't afford to do my back in and not be able to go back to training as a Nurse (which some would say is the stupidest thing ever anyway).

The pain is so bad at the moment. I'm almost in tears.

I wouldn't even consider nursing as a career, plus the occupational health assesements would probabaly conclude you may not be a suitable candidate for a job offer.

Getting a nursing post in a clinic would be your only hope, however a newly qualified nurse doesn't stand a snowballs chance of securing a clinic post as half your colleges would be after the same type of job, no shifts, Mon-Fri etc etc......newly qualified, walking in the door - unlikely.