Advice - quickly needed - ill for new job

amtc

Any advice welcome,

I completed a contract on Friday and on my way out of my job caught my heel on the stairs and tumbled down ten concrete steps. I have fractured my knee cap and spent from 6pm-5am in A and E so am now in a splint. On really strong painkillers and can't put any weight on my right leg. I am due to start a new job Monday but can't drive - my dad can drop me and pick me up - but I look a sight as I also bruised my face and hands (Ironically I was carrying my leaving present). I know the guy is really anxious for me to start and kept the job open for me so I could work notice.

I don't know what to do. I had promised to mail him tomorrow with a kick off agenda which I have prepared, but the role is upstairs and I can't physically make it. I'm on crutches with the splint and the painkillers are so strong that I'm sleeping all the time (I've been up for four hours today!)

Yet a new job? On better money, I can't be sick Day 1!

Mrs OBumble

What did the doctor who you saw at A&E say about work? If they said nothing, then you need to make an appointment with your GP for Monday, and get them to make the call.

If you show up for the new job on crutches and half asleep, they will likely not let you work without a doctor's certificate.

Yes it sucks.

Ring the new employer first thing Monday and tell them. Sound very apologetic / embarassed, and hopefully they'll keep the job open for you a bit longer.

dellas1979

I cant commend you enough for your commitment to your job(s). You sound very conscientious.

However, you broke your knee cap Friday. You havent just decided youre not bothered. Or decided to go on hols.

For (at least) the first week or so of a break, pain management will be and should be top of your list. Your doc will be best to advise on this, but you will 100% need at least a week to even start the recovery.

Your new employer should and will understand. If needs be, you can provide certification from your doc. It is all about when you feel better enough to go back to work, not the other way around.

It is your body after all and right now you need to look after it.

L.Jenkins

Similarly I spent my first week of my current role with my left wrist in a splint having tripped and landed on a concrete step. I require both my hands only for work, so I worried that management may role back on their offer, but I managed with painkillers and removing my splint only while resting my arm.

I wouldn't recommend that you remove your splint, but if you're dead set on taking up your new role, depending on how physically intensive it may be, I would work out a solution with your new employer that would allow you to work with ease.

InReality

I'm sure if you explain the situation to your new boss you will be fine. Its not the end of the world if you need a few weeks or whatever to get well.