Gone sick today - multiple texts and calls?

camelelf · Post by **camelelf** » 21 Jun 2018, 11:12

So I texted a line manager this morning informing him that I’ve been signed off work for this week (only working thur-sat this week) and told them I should be back in on Monday.

Since then, I’ve had four phones calls from two line managers and the DOM, and multiple texts saying they need a chat and asking why I’m off sick.

I’m off sick because my mental health has deteriorated. I suffer from an eating/body disorder and usually keep it in check, but the last few days it has had me bed ridden with horrible thoughts. Doctor thought having this week off would do me good.

Do I need to answer these phone calls and texts, other than to inform them of my return? And do I need to tell them the exact reason why I’m off sick for three days?

Thanks

tommyrep · Post by **tommyrep** » 21 Jun 2018, 12:47

The doctors certificate will explain the reason you are unfit for work. You are being unfairly treated.
Their action is only exacerbating an already bad situation. This treatment, of what is basically a mental health issue, is long overdue serious attention by the CWU.
You do not need to set a date for any return to work, how can you say when you will be back especially with the added pressure being exerted. Contact your REP asp. This type of behaviour is unacceptable and you should seriously consider putting in a grievance against the line manager. They always try to portray the impression that they are only enquiring about your welfare. Mostly bollocks! It's another form of exerting pressure and simple intimidation.
Don't let them grind you down, your own health is much more important ! Best of luck.

GT85 · Post by **GT85** » 21 Jun 2018, 14:35

They don't like text messages, better to ring and tell them over the phone that your signed off. They auto assume that everyone is pulling a fast one so may be worth explaining to them the situation and why you've been signed off and then hopefully the harassment will stop as I'm sure that its not helping.
Good luck hope things improve for you.

Seymour Buts · Post by **Seymour Buts** » 21 Jun 2018, 14:51

You should phone and explain, it's not good to text to say you won't be there.

Post by **aiden01** » 21 Jun 2018, 14:58

postietom wrote:You should phone and explain, it's not good to text to say you won't be there.

He has just explained that he has reieved four phone calls
from three different managers and multiple texts absolute disgrace.

camelelf · Post by **camelelf** » 21 Jun 2018, 15:16

aiden01 wrote:
postietom wrote:You should phone and explain, it's not good to text to say you won't be there.
He has just explained that he has reieved four phone calls
from three different managers and multiple texts absolute disgrace.

Also, I didn’t just text ‘sorry boss I’m not coming in today’ I sent ‘morning, I’m texting you to let you know That I’ve been signed off this week by my doctor’

When I’ve rung before rather than texting, I’ve been given bullshit like ‘we’re really struggling, we need you’ or long pauses when I tell them why. I’ve only ever gone sick because of mental health once before, my other absences have been physical issues.

Post by **hothothot** » 21 Jun 2018, 15:30

Always phone in, tell them Doc's signed me off with whatever ! Doesn't matter what they say they can huff and puff all they like. If he asked when you coming back tell him when my doctor says so. Don't stress over those arseholes. I know what your going through I suffer from mental health problems myself. Forget about work your of sick.

Post by **IloveMYredTROLLEY!** » 21 Jun 2018, 15:41

As far as I'm aware, you or someone on your behalf needs to talk to a lino or DOM at your depot before the end of the first shift you are calling in sick, a text or answering machine massage is not enough to ensure you will get sick pay.

Seymour Buts · Post by **Seymour Buts** » 21 Jun 2018, 16:04

camelelf wrote:
aiden01 wrote:
postietom wrote:You should phone and explain, it's not good to text to say you won't be there.
He has just explained that he has reieved four phone calls
from three different managers and multiple texts absolute disgrace.
Also, I didn’t just text ‘sorry boss I’m not coming in today’ I sent ‘morning, I’m texting you to let you know That I’ve been signed off this week by my doctor’

When I’ve rung before rather than texting, I’ve been given bullshit like ‘we’re really struggling, we need you’ or long pauses when I tell them why. I’ve only ever gone sick because of mental health once before, my other absences have been physical issues.

I know that's what they do, just tell 'em you're not well enough and that's it. I'm not being unsympathic, but I think it IS company policy to phone. I'm unsure about this but without a call you might not get paid and they could class you as awol rather than on sick. Cover your back and phone in.

Get well soon by the way.

MAILMAN84 · Post by **MAILMAN84** » 21 Jun 2018, 18:09

They have no morals. My last manager tried to start my paternity leave 2 weeks before the baby arrived to avoid sickpay.

arnold cheshire · Post by **arnold cheshire** » 21 Jun 2018, 19:03

Did you answer any of the calls? Has they say text or email to let them know you are sick is not acceptable

tomtom1dk · Post by **tomtom1dk** » 21 Jun 2018, 19:27

Doctors train for seven years to make these decisions on your health and well being and if you are fit for work or not ...Royal male managers only medical training is first aid if you are lucky...they haven't a clue about your health or condition ...you have a doctor's sick paper saying your unfit for work... I would take his or her advice before my managers who certainly hasn't got your best interests at heart

rubberbond · Post by **rubberbond** » 21 Jun 2018, 21:44

postietom wrote:
camelelf wrote:
aiden01 wrote:
postietom wrote:You should phone and explain, it's not good to text to say you won't be there.
He has just explained that he has reieved four phone calls
from three different managers and multiple texts absolute disgrace.
Also, I didn’t just text ‘sorry boss I’m not coming in today’ I sent ‘morning, I’m texting you to let you know That I’ve been signed off this week by my doctor’

When I’ve rung before rather than texting, I’ve been given bullshit like ‘we’re really struggling, we need you’ or long pauses when I tell them why. I’ve only ever gone sick because of mental health once before, my other absences have been physical issues.
I know that's what they do, just tell 'em you're not well enough and that's it. I'm not being unsympathic, but I think it IS company policy to phone. I'm unsure about this but without a call you might not get paid and they could class you as awol rather than on sick. Cover your back and phone in.

Get well soon by the way.

It can't be policy to phone in , what if you're deaf,or hard of hearing? Reasonable adjustments and all that. It's about making contact,if it's by text then so be it , this is outrageous treatment , they boast about mental well being of their staff and then do this sort of thing.

mattjo1@talktalk.net · Post by **mattjo1@talktalk.net** » 22 Jun 2018, 14:44

Totally incorrect, you have to phone in and speak to the Manager.

lightningpostman · Post by **lightningpostman** » 22 Jun 2018, 15:34

mattjo1@talktalk.net wrote:Totally incorrect, you have to phone in and speak to the Manager.

magager uses text messages to communicate that im being moved from one walk to another , swings and roundabouts, txt messages are also used as proof that comms have been made in both situations employee and manager