Sick / Interview

[ilovemarkb]

Legally can a person go for a job interview whilst off on sick?

[Zacs-Master]

Define 'sick'.

[sunny-dave]

Yes - been there, done it, got the job.

The existing employer may take a dim view (mine wasn't overjoyed) - but the condition which is preventing you being at work may not prevent you from attending an interview.

[2sp_]

When you are off sick it doesn't necessarily mean that you are bedbound. You could be off with a broken leg for example.

I daresay the current employer may not be impressed if they were to find out, but I'm not sure that they could do anything about it? (Although I may be wrong.)

[Zacs-Master]

Dave, but that's not being off sick. That's 'pretending' to be sick. If that's what the OP meant they should have made it clear.

[aelmpvw]

how could it be illegal? i wasn't aware that you were legally bound to stay indoors when 'on the sick'

[ilovemarkb]

the reason im off sick is because of my current job has caused a decline in my mental heailth no supoort etc

[sunny-dave]

Not at all Zacs - I would never do that.

I had a broken foot which prevented me from working & I was properly signed off by the medics for a fortnight.

I happened to have a pre-arranged job interview during that time, which a friend drove me to/from. I was able to hobble into the offices and sit through the interview - I couldn't have done my usual job in that way.

[2sp_]

I think it's perfectly acceptable for you to go for an interview under those circumstances ilovemarkb, in fact I would say it's massively important.

Good luck with the job hunt.

[Zacs-Master]

Exactly why I said 'define 'sick''

[sunny-dave]

I see no reason why you shouldn't attend the interview, ilovemarkb.

You will probably need to tell the prospective new employer that you are on sick leave (and why) - whether you tell your existing employer that you have an interview is a more tricky decision.

[ilovemarkb]

downside is that i will need a reference off my existing employer !!!

[Zacs-Master]

I'm not sure that telling your prospective employers that your off sick due to mental health issues (whatever the cause). I don't see any reason to admit to it in any case (it's non of their business). Anyway, the best of luck Ilovemarkb I hope you find more suitable employment.

[Crypticblond]

Yes you can attend an interview whilst being off sick. Being off sick means you are not fit for work not that you are not fit for interview.

[Zacs-Master]

Sorry, missed 'is a good idea' off the end of my first sentence.

[sunny-dave]

But it is 'their business', Zacs - as a prospective employer they are entitled to know relevant medical history.

Which is why I think being open about it (and especially the reasons for the illness) may be the best policy.

It will come out in any written reference - and therefore is better explained in person?

[sunny-dave]

And yes - I really hope you find a job that makes you happy, ilovemarkb.

Dave

[237SJ]

I`m not sure that an employer is allowed to disclose the medical history of an employee so I wouldn`t tell them that I was off sick.

[ilovemarkb]

first time ive been off sick and its only one day

[Zacs-Master]

I've never been asked my medical history in an interview and wouldn't want to work for any company who asked me about it.

[sunny-dave]

They can't disclose the details, 237SJ - but they can give a factual account of 'number of sick days' - which then puts questions in the mind of a prospective employer, which it is better to pre-empt by clarifying during the interview (or written application).