Dilemma - sickie for interview?

[evedawn]

I'm currently employed by the NHS on a fixed term contract. It expires early June and the NHS Trust I work for is not renewing ANYONE'S fixed term contracts (therefore I'll be out of a job in June).

Anyway...my dilemma. I've been given an interview (within another Trust) on the SAME day as a very important work event which I oughta attend.

I can't ask for leave on that day (my manager will be sure to say no due to the work event) and so i thought about going "sick" for two days (cos ONE day will look suspicious). Thing is I hate doing that sorta thing .... what would YOU do?

[bednobs]

coming to the end of a fixed term is not the same as being made redundant

[evedawn]

Umm housemouse - i doubt that applies in my case as I'm fixed term (in other word my contract has an end date) so not a redundancy as such (even though it amounts to same thing in the en...me with no job) thanks for your advice though

[China Doll]

It's not impossible, it's just preferred... Try not to get too woudn up about it and just explain the situation. It will show reliabitlity and that you're a team player etc...

Good luck with the rest of your search.

[boxtops]

lcg - not just the nurses, I'm on the pay freeze too. Only people earning less than £21k are getting anything this year, I heard £250 flat rise across the board.

Ask the other Trust if there is a chance of reschedule - if they say no, then say to your boss "the day's all set up, everything is in place, here's a folder with all the details, nothing can go wrong" - and I need time off for an interview.

[boxtops]

Evedawn - just a thought if you can't reschedule - ask your HR department about the policy for time off for interview in the final weeks of a short term contract. Lots of our policies seem to be changing overnight in the current climate - things that could never happen in the past are suddenly being facilitated. No harm in asking a hypothetical question "just in case" ;-)

[tigwig]

I would definitely be truthful and not pull a sickie in this case. Like someone else said, try and get the interview at the beginning or the end of the day and if this isnt possible then you have to think of yourself and take the day off regardless of what your current boss says.

[Old_Geezer]

If one can not be rearranged then tell them you are going. What work event can be that important to someone who's being given the push ? One can take professionalism too far. It's not as if they are in a position to complain since they are the ones opting not to renew the contract and putting you in that position. Strictly speaking, sure you are still under their employ, and ought to attend their event; but being fair, you have a life to fund and need a bit of slack.

[merciasounds]

Well, my way of thinking is this, it's more important for you to get another job as your present one is ending. Your current job is ending, do you really owe them any favours? What is SO important that you attend this special meeting? Will it extend your job? No. Will it pay your bills? No. So, should you feel guilty? No - Start sniffling a bit a couple of days before and take a couple of sickies - use them to look for more jobs - I wish you all the luck there is finding a new job. Mercia XX