New job - Absence - Dismissal!?!

kibbutzangel · 7 August 2006 at 4:35PM

regularsaver1 - No discomfort prior to starting the job. I did have occassional twinges, but mainly in the morning when I woke up. It got a lot worse the first week I started work, to the point where I can only sleep for 3-4 hours at a time, then the pain wakes me up. I also have painkillers from the doc, which make me drowsy. The doc had me referred to a physio, and I'm seeing them next Monday.

regularsaver1 · 7 August 2006 at 4:36PM

I think a telephone conversation may help, rather than email - any chance you could call first thing in morning?

annie-c · 7 August 2006 at 4:49PM

I agree - a telephone call will show that you are willing to discuss the issue and may help smooth things a bit - though I would also recommend that you follow this up with an email to confirm what has been said and to serve as a formal record.

I think it seems quite early on in your illness to get a home visit. What sort of company do you work for? What is your job? What role does your boss hold? Normally home visits would be conducted by an HR department and would take place in an attempt to resolve long-term sickness, I'm afraid I haven't ever heard of it happening to a new employee before.

regularsaver1 · 7 August 2006 at 4:52PM

Yes i was thinking that phone call was more personal, anf by you calling, you are saying you want to deal with things

kibbutzangel · 7 August 2006 at 4:56PM

annie-c wrote:

I agree - a telephone call will show that you are willing to discuss the issue and may help smooth things a bit - though I would also recommend that you follow this up with an email to confirm what has been said and to serve as a formal record.

I think it seems quite early on in your illness to get a home visit. What sort of company do you work for? What is your job? What role does your boss hold? Normally home visits would be conducted by an HR department and would take place in an attempt to resolve long-term sickness, I'm afraid I haven't ever heard of it happening to a new employee before.

Thanks annie-c. I too think it's a bit early for them to want to visit me! I work for an accountancy firm (50 employees) as a part-time audio typist. My boss is the owner.

I'm not at my best on the phone, especially with these painkillers zoning me out.

regularsaver1 · 7 August 2006 at 4:58PM

Unless you make a very brief call to back up your email. Also stating you would not appreciate a home visit?

annie-c · 7 August 2006 at 5:15PM

I can quite understand that you wouldn't want a home visit, and think them a bit odd for taking this action so soon. Presumably, you don't yet qualify for company sick pay, so although frustrating for them, your sickness is not costing them anything yet?

But all that is besides the point....

Personally I think you have done nothing wrong, but am trying to think of things from their perspective - they must be quite worried to have a new member of staff go of sick with what could potentially be a long-term problem. - and they are trying to resolve things quickly. I don't think that they are going about things the right way, but I think that regardless, it is in your interest to help them as much as possible by giving them a quick ring.

Maybe you could prepare in advance what you are going to say, to make it easier? I would personally write it down and practice saying it. For example:

"Hello, it's xx here. I'm just calling to say that I have received your email and I'm sorry but I am feeling too unwell to take have a visit from xx at the moment. I have spoken to my doctor and s/he has said I should be off work until xx. I'm so sorry to put you out - I really want to come back to work and I will ring back once I've seen the doctor again on xx."

If they persist, you could just say, "I'm sorry, I'm taking quite strong painkillers and I feel awfully unwell. Please could I ring you back when I've been back to the doctors on xx?"

kibbutzangel · 7 August 2006 at 5:55PM

Thanks Annie - that's a good idea to have a 'script' before I call them.

I don't want him coming to my house. Apart from the fact it would upset my husband, the house is a tip as I can't tidy or clean it just now

I'm trying to get through the the CAB for some advice, but will certainly consider calling in the morning to discuss things with my boss.

annie-c · 7 August 2006 at 10:36PM

Don't stress about it - he has no right to just turn up at you house!

But DO give him a ring and set things straight.... good luck!

regularsaver1 · 8 August 2006 at 5:05PM

How did things go? Hope you've been able to rest though hun

New job - Absence - Dismissal!?!

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