Absence Policy at work

Originally Posted by Biker Biggles

Sad to say this is all too typical of the "modern"workplace,especially the public sector,and more especially the NHS.They really do know how to demotivate and demoralise their workforce,both as individuals and collectively.Its largely because they are stuffed with inept managers who could never hack it in the private sector,and couldnt do the jobs they"manage"either.Those who cant------get promoted into management.

Couldn`t agree more..... since our merger with another trust earlier this year I can`t believe the changes and rulings that have been implemented. It`s absolutely crazy and everytime somebody says "they can`t do that" the answer is "oh yes they can" cos they`re running a business and businesses need results and productivity and reductions in running costs blah blah blah

I`ve just been seconded into another managerial post... I should be really happy and pleased with myself cos it`s another promotion. A few years ago I would have been so excited as it`s yet another step up the ladder but in honesty I dread it and haven`t got it in me to feel excited.

Bloody stupid in the NHS, if I'm in hospital I'd prefer the nurses were not in the hospital infecting me with various illnesses that I'm in no condition to fight but instead at home so I could heal in peace.

Originally Posted by Spank86

Bloody stupid in the NHS, if I'm in hospital I'd prefer the nurses were not in the hospital infecting me with various illnesses that I'm in no condition to fight but instead at home so I could heal in peace.

I`ve quite rightly been refused entry into patients homes because i`ve been really poorly with chest infections yet can`t take sick leave cos I`m in fear of a warning.

District nurses like myself are going into vulnerable patients homes to set up and take down intravenous chemotherapy... we`re dealing with patients who have arterial lines in situ and we`re coughing and spluttering all over them!! all down to the fear of receiving a written warning for being off sick. It`s absolutely shocking.


Daveyrach........ I`m sorry that my ranting re. the NHS has, in some ways, detracted from your current situation but in other ways it`s quite relevant as it demonstrates that your position is by no means unique. People like yourself are facing similar situations everywhere and yep they can do it and yep the employers will get away with doing it

Originally Posted by Speedy Claire

I`d say be really careful cos your boss will not be able to overrule HR on too many occasions. Don`t know who you work for but if they have a HR dept then i`m guessing they`re quite large?

As a team if anyone is sick and is worried about sick absences I`ll allow staff to take the absence as annual leave but we`re lucky cos we have a generous annual leave allowance to tap into. It can`t always be done tho and if HR were to find out how myself and other managers were working we`d be in serious trouble

My advice is to get this heart condition diagnosed... it will come under the disability at work act then inform your HR Dept that you now come under the Act. Any future absences you then have if they can be attributed to your condition shouldn`t result in you receiving a warning.

My company is actually quite small in the UK we do not have our own HR dept, but they are a big company in Europe and are part of a much bigger group in the UK which is who's HR dept we use.

[Ratty]

You will probably be protected by DDA Act. Check it out.

Call ACAS they will give you free advice and although their "rules" are not law if it comes to a tribunal and your company has not been "reasonable" then they will have to look out...
If your heart condition is congenital are you classed as having a disability? If not please check up... if you are found to be then you may have a case under the disability act...

[Biker Biggles]

The disability angle is useful to you but be aware it only protects you to a certain extent.The employer is required to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to do your job.They are not required to allow you to take extra sick,or very little of it if any.They may be reluctant to take action against you if they have failed to make reasonable adjustments.