Sickness record affecting new job

[annavc]

I've just been offered a new job and accepted it and know I will get good references from my current employer but my concern is that I've had quite a few days off sick in the last couple of years - 15 days in 2 years (4 instances - chest infection, kidney infection and a nasty bout of flu account for all but one day and a migraine was one day). Anyway, obviously my current manager is being asked to provide this information and has to - will this affect the job offer - could they withdraw it for this reason? I'm really worried as I really want this job and can't possibly stay where I am any longer.

[cascarelli]

I assume the job offer is subject to suitable references? Did they ask you about sickness in the application form or at the interview?

It depends on the employer. They may come back and ask you to explain why you had 15 days off but they probably wouldnt reject you out of hand because of it. As an employer I'd possibly question an average of 7.5 days a year, but if you had a valid reason and it wasn't because of a 'cold' etc then it would most likely be ok.

Do you know that sickness record is one of the questions asked of the referees or are you just worrying?

[annavc]

It is subject to suitable references and I know the reference request has specifically asked about it as my manager showed it to me. They didn't ask me about it in the application or at the interview but I have had to fill in an occupational health form and I've been completely honest about all the instances.

[cascarelli]

If they've already seen the health form and are still continuing with the process then its probably fine.

Different employers have different ideas on sick leave. A lot probably wouldn't look twice at 7.5 days a year. For some employers that might not be very much!

If yours are all genuine then I wouldn't worry.

[annavc]

Thanks cascarelli. I'm not sure the employer has actually seen the form as I had to send it to an occupational health department at one of the london hospitals and I think they then report to the employer if there are any concerns.

I guess I'll just have to wait and see. They were all genuine absences.

[cascarelli]

Well, good luck, hope you do get the job!

And, don't worry or you'll make yourself sick !!

[Orangesauce1]

My word, If they could see some of the sick records of the guys in my office!!! they are off all the time!!! crazy.

Good luck with the new job x

[curiosity]

I wouldn't worry too much it's mainly episodes not days that are counted, and in two years yours is not a bad sickness record. Enjoy the job!