Sick Leave Rant

Ladjacket

I work in an office where people are quick to spill their guts on all forms of their lives.

This morning, I overheard a member of staff being asked by their supervisor to train on a new element to her job. Her response was that she would not do it because she is not capable of learning new things and that if she was forced to do it, she would get herself signed off on sick leave. She went on to say how she is in receipt of a medical card and uses it when she has a cold or hay fever etc.

Another girl piped up who has just returned from sick leave last week to say she is sick of the place already and might get herself signed out again as she 'had better craic when she was off'.

What the hell is wrong with people these days!? I earn just over the minimum wage, pay my revenue contributions and the USC, rent, bills food and by the end of the month I am awaiting the next wage packet with baited breath, yet some of these people are leading the high life.

And people wonder why others are emigrating?

Sick of it.

MagicMarker

Ladjacket wrote: »

Sick of it.

Call in sick?

Wibbs

Ladjacket wrote: »

This morning, I overheard a member of staff being asked by their supervisor to train on a new element to her job. Her response was that she would not do it because she is not capable of learning new things and that if she was forced to do it, she would get herself signed off on sick leave. She went on to say how she is in receipt of a medical card and uses it when she has a cold or hay fever etc.

She says this to her supervisor and this muppet isn't in any fear of being let go? :eek: Good god. Not capable of learning new things? Well then rev up and feck off there's the dole queue love.

booboo88

eh how the hell are they signing themselves off sick?
My back was at all last week, now my bolldy voice is gone. and I wont be able to go back until my back stops twinging

Sykk

Public service? I get 5 days of sick leave per year. If I take any more, I don't get paid for them.

Should be slightly more than 5 days but still you get the idea.. Whom do you work for?

Ladjacket

from what i can make out they are going to their doctors, saying they are stressed and then BOOM! two weeks off, which then becomes a month etc.

the girl who doesnt want to train said that she probably doesnt need the job as she would get just as much if she was on benefits and sat around the house.

Coriolanus

Very curious who you work for.

Aglomerado

Nevore wrote: »

Very curious who you work for.

And me. It does sound like the public sector. (Speaking from an almost identical experience; not PS bashing!)

mikemac1

Ladjacket wrote: »

from what i can make out they are going to their doctors, saying they are stressed and then BOOM! two weeks off, which then becomes a month etc.

That can be a real issue and a stressful job can ruin your mental health and put you in a dangerous situation
Some employers have grasped never waste a good recession and expect one person to do what three used to do. Not everyone can cope

But it's wasters like your colleagues who ruin it for the genuine cases who need help from their GP

bijapos

Ladjacket wrote: »

What the hell is wrong with people these days!? I earn just over the minimum wage, pay my revenue contributions and the USC, rent, bills food and by the end of the month I am awaiting the next wage packet with baited breath, yet some of these people are leading the high life.

Ladjacket wrote: »

the girl who doesnt want to train said that she probably doesnt need the job as she would get just as much if she was on benefits and sat around the house.

There's your answer.

Along with this she has a track record of being off sick because of stress so if she is fired she'll have no hassle with the social.

jester77

Sounds like a unionised company.

Such BS, I could never work for a company like that, it would drive me f*cking insane. I'm always self learning, I don't wait around to be told I need to learn A or B. It's fairly obvious that you always need to update your skills or get left behind.

I f*ckin hate this mentality of "that's not part of my job, I need more money to do that". Bloody f*cking unions are the main cause of this awful mentality that prevails in a lot of companies :mad:

jimthemental

Where the hell do you work OP, I just want to note it down for the next time I'm in Ireland to punch your tosser of a boss. Arseholes like this have jobs while myself and my friends had to leave the country. For fúck sake.

mikemac1

jester77 wrote: »

Sounds like a unionised company.

A pretty ineffective union so if the OP and the others are earning little over minimum wage

An employer that pays you just about the minimum they legally have to does not value you much at all

Saint_Mel

bijapos wrote: »

There's your answer.

Along with this she has a track record of being off sick because of stress so if she is fired she'll have no hassle with the social.

Although if they try to get rid of her over stress it might open a can of worms for unfair dismissal etc ... probably easier for them just to have her turn up whenever she wants

Ladjacket

jimthemental wrote: »

Where the hell do you work OP, I just want to note it down for the next time I'm in Ireland to punch your tosser of a boss. Arseholes like this have jobs while myself and my friends had to leave the country. For fúck sake.

you are exactly right - the amount of people that would kill to stay here and work but have been forced to leave. It is in a customer service type job that I am in, not going to reveal the name of organisation on here, but it is not public sector.

The building is full of people who 'know their rights' and at the very drop of a hot, they are up in arms.

Just on the stress issue, I was not trying to make light of it, I am well aware that loads of people through out the country have stressful jobs that can affect mental health, but I can safely say that some of the people in my office have little to be stressed about.

It just really gets me down that I work in a place that employs people like this, and on a larger scale, pays tax to a country that not only permits people to have an attitude like this, but actually seems to encourage it.

We would have a number of workers in our organisation who live/have lived in Northern Ireland in the past, and they are astounded at the level of benefits available to us, the dole in particular.

Mickey Dazzler

I assume you work for the public service.... every public service worker I know is a fcuking scumbag.

mod: banned

SEPT 23 1989

I am self employed and this type of carry on is completely alien to me

Ladjacket

Mickey Dazzler wrote: »

I assume you work for the public service.... every public service worker I know is a fcuking scumbag.

not public service - and even if it was, its nice to know you can generalise an entire workforce into one category.

FatherLen

in my entire life i have called into work sick....once. but it was for a week.

edit:actually twice. dammit

Birneybau

Mickey Dazzler wrote: »

I assume you work for the public service.... every public service worker I know is a fcuking scumbag.

Maybe read the whole thread before commenting.

RobbieTheRobber

Sykk wrote: »

Public service? I get 5 days of sick leave per year. If I take any more, I don't get paid for them.

Should be slightly more than 5 days but still you get the idea.. Whom do you work for?

Aglomerado wrote: »

And me. It does sound like the public sector. (Speaking from an almost identical experience; not PS bashing!)

Thats exactly what it is!

Mickey Dazzler wrote: »

I assume you work for the public service.... every public service worker I know is a fcuking scumbag.

Well i dont think you could get a job in the public service you are at least expected to be able to read whats in front of you! :rolleyes:

Chuck Stone

mikemac1 wrote: »

A pretty ineffective union so if the OP and the others are earning little over minimum wage

An employer that pays you just about the minimum they legally have to does not value you much at all

It sounds to me like this 'worker' is not worth minimum wage.

Mickey Dazzler

I stand by what I said. Each and every individual who works in the public service is a fcuking scumbag.


Mod. Poster banned

Chuck Stone

FatherLen wrote: »

in my entire life i have called into work sick....once. but it was for a week.

edit:actually twice. dammit

You made a claim on the number of times you called in sick and then in an instant you doubled the number of times you called in sick.

How are we supposed to trust you?

mikemac1

You can trust a priest

jester77

mikemac1 wrote: »

A pretty ineffective union so if the OP and the others are earning little over minimum wage

An employer that pays you just about the minimum they legally have to does not value you much at all

This employee is not even worth the minimum wage.

stargazer 68

Mickey Dazzler wrote: »

I stand by what I said. Each and every individual who works in the public service is a fcuking scumbag.

Well Mickey with that attitude I hope you never end up in hospital, or need an ambulance or fire brigade! :rolleyes:

gbee

How the 'ell has she a medical card?

If she is working and has a card she can't even be getting minimum wage?

Saint_Mel

gbee wrote: »

How the 'ell has she a medical card?

If she is working and has a card she can't even be getting minimum wage?

Not so ... she can be means tested for it and if under the limit is entitled. Even if over the limit, depending on personal circumstance the HSE can issue cards to those they feel are in need

Ladjacket

as to how she has a medical card, i have no idea, think its to do with single mother etc. She is at work telling everyone who will listen how she has a council house, medical card etc.

As an aside, a girl in her team has a daughter who has chronic asthma but cant get a medical card - needless to say it does nothing for team spirit!

Micky Dolenz

Mickey Dazzler wrote: »

I stand by what I said. Each and every individual who works in the public service is a fcuking scumbag.

Banned

pah

Mickey Dazzler wrote: »

I assume you work for the public service.... every public service worker I know is a fcuking scumbag.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=77109550

Mickey Dazzler wrote: »

I have been arrested for ....Criminal Damage Breaking and entering Burglary Drunk and disorderly (many times) Wasting police time dangerous driving assault GBH. All before my 18th birthday and haven't being done for anything in the succeeding 14 years. It is safe to say I was a compete bollocks in my youth .

In your youth?

Dyr

Ladjacket wrote: »

We would have a number of workers in our organisation who live/have lived in Northern Ireland in the past, and they are astounded at the level of benefits available to us, the dole in particular.

Considering that in the north you can self certify yourself as sick for 7 days allow me to call total bulls**t on that.

Jaysoose

Bambi wrote: »

Considering that in the north you can self certify yourself as sick for 7 days allow me to call total bulls**t on that.

What exactly are you calling bull**** on, the fact that people in the south of ireland get generous benefits compared to northern ireland?

fedor.2.

Ladjacket wrote: »

I work in an office where people are quick to spill their guts on all forms of their lives.

This morning, I overheard a member of staff being asked by their supervisor to train on a new element to her job. Her response was that she would not do it because she is not capable of learning new things and that if she was forced to do it, she would get herself signed off on sick leave. She went on to say how she is in receipt of a medical card and uses it when she has a cold or hay fever etc.

Another girl piped up who has just returned from sick leave last week to say she is sick of the place already and might get herself signed out again as she 'had better craic when she was off'.

What the hell is wrong with people these days!? I earn just over the minimum wage, pay my revenue contributions and the USC, rent, bills food and by the end of the month I am awaiting the next wage packet with baited breath, yet some of these people are leading the high life.

And people wonder why others are emigrating?

Sick of it.

I dont believe this really happened.

Dyr

Jaysoose wrote: »

What exactly are you calling bull**** on, the fact that people in the south of ireland get generous benefits compared to northern ireland?

I'm not from munster so I can't really answer that. I can tell that in dublin you aren't going to be able to sign yourself out of work for a week and that, in general, employment law in the UK is more favourable to employees that it is in Ireland. So yeah, callling bullsh**t here.

Ladjacket

fedor.2. wrote: »

I dont believe this really happened.

I would love to be able to tell you that I was lying, but unfortunately it is true.

silly

I wish I could take sick leave, I'm pregnant so I can't exactly self medicate when sick, but if I take even 2 days off work, nobody covers my work for me when I get back so it builds up daily.
I went to the dr a few weeks ago with bad migraines and tiredness she wanted to give me a week off, but I told her I'd just take 2 ( this was a thur morn, I returned to work to get some stuff done and came back on the Monday) it took me over a week to catch up on all my work which in turn made me a bit stressed and sick.
I've had off days where I really should take a day off but it's never worth it. I've spoken to my boss about this but nothing has been done.

So hearing this story really pisses me off.

Pandora2

Ladjacket wrote: »

I would love to be able to tell you that I was lying, but unfortunately it is true.

Then she wants to be fired!! I have been a supervisor in my time and even when staff were hard to come by this would be a very serious matter. I would have ensured that the person concerned was scheduled for the said training and should they refuse..............Hey Ho it's off to Human Resources we go.....disciplinary procedures and eventual termination of employment.

I'll take her job Minimum Wage or not!!:cool:

Ladjacket

silly wrote: »

I wish I could take sick leave, I'm pregnant so I can't exactly self medicate when sick, but if I take even 2 days off work, nobody covers my work for me when I get back so it builds up daily.
I went to the dr a few weeks ago with bad migraines and tiredness she wanted to give me a week off, but I told her I'd just take 2 ( this was a thur morn, I returned to work to get some stuff done and came back on the Monday) it took me over a week to catch up on all my work which in turn made me a bit stressed and sick.
I've had off days where I really should take a day off but it's never worth it. I've spoken to my boss about this but nothing has been done.

So hearing this story really pisses me off.

I really feel for you in this situation, obviously there are people out there who are in genuine need of sick leave, but then you have people like this who are taking the p1ss all the time, it really gets me annoyed, then i feel like i am the one who should just leave the job, the fact that i share an office with people like this...angers me.

booboo88

Ladjacket wrote: »

as to how she has a medical card, i have no idea, think its to do with single mother etc. She is at work telling everyone who will listen how she has a council house, medical card etc.

As an aside, a girl in her team has a daughter who has chronic asthma but cant get a medical card - needless to say it does nothing for team spirit!

I know the feeling but I cant get a medical card.

mikemac1

silly wrote: »

I wish I could take sick leave, I'm pregnant so I can't exactly self medicate when sick, but if I take even 2 days off work, nobody covers my work for me when I get back so it builds up daily.
I went to the dr a few weeks ago with bad migraines and tiredness she wanted to give me a week off, but I told her I'd just take 2 ( this was a thur morn, I returned to work to get some stuff done and came back on the Monday) it took me over a week to catch up on all my work which in turn made me a bit stressed and sick.
I've had off days where I really should take a day off but it's never worth it. I've spoken to my boss about this but nothing has been done.

When your employer is informed about your pregnancy aren't they supposed to have a meeting with you and work out a plan for you?

So lighter duties for a physical job like no heaving lifting if you work in a pub.
Or in an office have people cover for you and ensure you're not working very late to meet deadlines or left with an impossible workload.

Some places like accounts work late at month end and you would need to be let finish at a reasonable hour

silly wrote: »

I've spoken to my boss about this but nothing has been done.

Could be worth looking into
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/

And your boss sounds like an clown for running the business so short staffed.

silly

mikemac1 wrote: »

silly wrote: »

I wish I could take sick leave, I'm pregnant so I can't exactly self medicate when sick, but if I take even 2 days off work, nobody covers my work for me when I get back so it builds up daily.
I went to the dr a few weeks ago with bad migraines and tiredness she wanted to give me a week off, but I told her I'd just take 2 ( this was a thur morn, I returned to work to get some stuff done and came back on the Monday) it took me over a week to catch up on all my work which in turn made me a bit stressed and sick.
I've had off days where I really should take a day off but it's never worth it. I've spoken to my boss about this but nothing has been done.

When your employer is informed about your pregnancy aren't they supposed to have a meeting with you and work out a plan for you?

So lighter duties for a physical job like no heaving lifting if you work in a pub.
Or in an office have people cover for you and ensure you're not working very late to meet deadlines or left with an impossible workload.

Some places like accounts work late at month end and you would need to be let finish at a reasonable hour

silly wrote: »

I've spoken to my boss about this but nothing has been done.

Could be worth looking into
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/

And your boss sounds like an clown for running the business so short staffed.

Oh you have no idea. There is a girl in a different department here who isn't pregnant but has some health issues. They are down 2 staff in that section and she is practically on her own. She is really under pressure but they won't take on anyone to help her.
We have 2 girls on mat leave, nobody in to cover them.
This place is a joke. I'd love to get up and leave but then I'm the bloody loser!

PhlegmyMoses

If I was that girl's manager I would be looking for reasons to give her the heave ho. I'd be all over her being a couple of minutes late here and there etc.

pickarooney

The boss should give her a raise. Just enough so that she no longer qualifies for the medical card, rent relief and whatever else she's boasting about.

Jaysoose

Bambi wrote: »

I'm not from munster so I can't really answer that. I can tell that in dublin you aren't going to be able to sign yourself out of work for a week and that, in general, employment law in the UK is more favourable to employees that it is in Ireland. So yeah, callling bullsh**t here.

But you quoted a post about benefits and the dole in particular then call bull**** regards employment law? Weird post just got weirder.

What do you mean that you cant sign yourself out of work for a week in dublin..you can get a sick note from the doctor and be out..your talking nonsense.

Ladjacket

it is the system that is to blame in general though. It is a sad state of affairs that people can have just as much money sitting at home as they would have if they working a 35 hour week. And if I am being totally honest, I cannot say for certain that I would not do the same if I was in her position, but the fact remains that these types of laws are too lax in this country.

There are thousands of hard working men and women up and down the country who were made redundant or lost their jobs and need their dole money or their benefits, and I have nothing but sympathy for them, I see it in my own family.

But on the flip side, the attitude of others that the dole is there so why the hell would i go out to work...it really makes my blood boil.

Freddie59

mikemac1 wrote: »

A pretty ineffective union so if the OP and the others are earning little over minimum wage

An employer that pays you just about the minimum they legally have to does not value you much at all

That is increasingly becoming the norm. Deep labour pool, supply v demand, etc.

I would class myself as extremely conscientious in my job, but I always reckoned only around 40% of staff step up to the mark, with the rest not giving a toss and just 'turning up'. I was talking to a company director one day (not the one I work for BTW) and this came up in conversation. 'I think you're wrong' he said to me - 'it's actually around 25% who step up to the mark'.

An indictment of the attitude of a lot of people unfortunately.:(

Freddie59

Ladjacket wrote: »

it is the system that is to blame in general though. It is a sad state of affairs that people can have just as much money sitting at home as they would have if they working a 35 hour week. And if I am being totally honest, I cannot say for certain that I would not do the same if I was in her position, but the fact remains that these types of laws are too lax in this country.

There are thousands of hard working men and women up and down the country who were made redundant or lost their jobs and need their dole money or their benefits, and I have nothing but sympathy for them, I see it in my own family.

But on the flip side, the attitude of others that the dole is there so why the hell would i go out to work...it really makes my blood boil.

Nail. Head. The system is far too generous, with, in a lot of cases, dole almost being as good as working.

mikemac1

Freddie59 wrote: »

I would class myself as extremely conscientious in my job, but I always reckoned only around 40% of staff step up to the mark, with the rest not giving a toss and just 'turning up'. I was talking to a company director one day (not the one I work for BTW) and this came up in conversation. 'I think you're wrong' he said to me - 'it's actually around 25% who step up to the mark'.

An indictment of the attitude of a lot of people unfortunately.:(

There was a poster here recently who had his own business and said

One third of employees are excellent and work well
One third try very hard and do their best but their work isn't great so they need help and training and they'll improve
And one third don't care and they would be putting in little effort even if you doubled their salary

Sounds about right to me though it's a huge generalization

lastlaugh

The only rational thing to do at this stage would be to poison the coffee machine in the canteen.