Tuesday Q&As

7.5.24

1. Absence management process. Missed first warning letter - Can you provide any help?

2. I have been instructed to do ‘voluntary’ overtime. Can I refuse?

3. Working on call is not in contract - do I have to do it?

4. Term time pay differential

5. Should you be paid if you work through an unpaid break?

6. Apprentice pay or normal pay - Does it matter?

7. Should employer agree to shift change to reduce stress?

8. Agency worker on a zero hour contract

9. Hours of work and holiday

10. Confusion over paid/unpaid breaks

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1. Absence management process. Missed first warning letter - Can you provide any help?

Q. ive got a formal stage 1 absence meeting. When I was informed of this meeting via my communication portal the HR assistant had headed it saying a hard copy has been delivered to the. Now to clarify I’ve worked there for over 7 yrs. Up until that moment I didn't know a pigeonhole existed!!! The next day once id enquired where it was I went to said pigeonhole there was another letter dated March 19th warning me of an informal absence. So basically this original march letter sat in that pigeonhole for 6 weeks without my knowledge.  My immediate line manager did not tell me about it and believe me if I had received it I'd of gone into work at deaths door if I knew it was going to trigger a formal stage 1. I'm truly flabbergasted by the incompetence of my managers but sadly don't have much confidence and already nervous for this meeting. Your thoughts would be so very much appreciated.

A. Your concerns are valid, and you must prepare for the Stage 1 meeting effectively. I suggest you familiarise yourself with your organisation’s absence management policy to understand the formal procedures and thresholds.