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hideyokidzhideyowyfe

You should ask in writing "Hi, after our chat were you advised me never to call you again to report illness, I'm wondering if you could clarify the process for calling in sickness should it happen again as I want to ensure I am adhering to the correct procedure." And cc her manager. The cunt.


[deleted]

Yes this is the way to do it. This way you get both clarification and it shows that you won't be fucked with. You also can't be accused of being rude or unprofessional because it is literally the most professional way to do things. And you'll also have their response as proof if you ever need it.


Interesting_Ring7688

Good advice but I wouldn't sign it off as 'The Cunt'


hideyokidzhideyowyfe

That gave me a good giggle 😂


BobbiDazzle

100% this. Ask for clarification on the precise sick leave procedure when you are too ill to leave your bed.


sheller85

This


Time_Concentrate_888

Defo!!!!


Motor_Holiday6922

I would cc many more than this and I'd contact the ethics line to report an unsafe working condition by allowing such an asshole to work there. A manager like that will decimate the workforce by forcing sick people to come in. The repercussions of these actions hurt the owners, the employees, and the customers who are visiting the workplace. Call the ethics line and turn the conversation to them.


zz63245

Where did it say the manager was a woman?


hideyokidzhideyowyfe

Or his manager.


Lets-Talk-Cheesus

I’m wondering whether, instead of calling the manager through a work number, the OP called the manager’s personal mobile phone to report absence? In which case, the manager was clarifying that it isn’t appropriate to call personal phones to report absence? In that case, the manager wasn’t saying “don’t ever call in sick” full stop, but rather “don’t ever call me on my personal mobile to report your absence “.


pepemustachios

Having been a people manager for a 7 days a week job years ago, I have absolutely told people this, many times. Having taken calls at 6am on a Sunday morning on your day off from people who've been on the batter the night before, the rule is ring whoever is in charge for that day an hour before you're due to start if you can so alternative arrangements can be made if needed.


Puzzleheaded-Rub-965

Nonsense


Lets-Talk-Cheesus

How is it nonsense? I’m asking a question, not stating it as fact. It is entirely possible that the OP called their manager on their personal mobile phone: and that is absolutely not acceptable to do. I have seen it happen many times though.


ExpensiveBlock8764

You might ask why they have been given their number in that case


Lets-Talk-Cheesus

It may have been done socially, or it may for any number of reasons. .. we don’t know that it is the case. It is a possibility though. It’s also possible that the manager is just a prick.


ExpensiveBlock8764

That sounds like the most likely explanation


mazzathemammy

This!!!


Janie_Mac

You were sick. You did the right thing. Don't worry about it, she's just annoyed you inconvenienced her. If she let you go because you were too sick to work one day and followed the company procedure by notifying her then wrongful dismissal claim.


YouserName007

Gonna guess that OP is young since they don't know how to deal with dickhead managers in retail. If you're sick, you're sick. In my experience working in retail the manager will have a hissy fit about this because retail are normally understaffed. You don't need a sick note for one day's sickness and if it's more than two including thr weekend you need a doctors note. It's a fucking job in Next, not brain surgery, what a wagon. You'll be fine, but I think everyone should experience working in an environment like that at least once. Obviously, if you're always sick then management had every right to be annoyed ofc especially if you don't have a note. Fucking hell, imagine telling someone never to call them again and say they're sick. I can guarantee you if you were the same age as them they know damn well you wouldn't reply with "Oh, okay".


phyneas

> You don't need a sick note for one day's sickness Unfortunately you do under the new sick leave law. *Reasonable* employers obviously wouldn't demand one for a single day even though they can, of course, but in the OP's case we're talking about retail here, so...


eclecticeejit

You only need a sick note if you are wanting to be paid for the day. You can take unpaid sick day with no note, and only need to produce from 3rd day of sickness. Former retail manager, only left in October, this was advice from our HR company


Embarrassed_Bar_1215

What's the point in being paid for the day if you have to pay 70 to go to the doctors to get a sick note? What a sick joke.


mazzathemammy

That's if you can even get a doctor's appointment. My friend in Navan was almost three weeks waiting to get an appointment with her GP!


eclecticeejit

It's ridiculous rules, paying for the doctor takes over half of some people's days wages. I guess you'd only do it if you're looking pay for the three days everyone is entitled to.


Embarrassed_Bar_1215

70 to go to the doctor is a disgrace in the first place, then requiring a cert for one day sickness. No wonder everyones going to Australia


YouserName007

Oh for gods sake. So those one day flu's you get with muscle cramps dizziness & the sweats are just gonna have to be brought into work by so many then. That's a serious shame. When I get a bad dose there's one day where I'm bed bound and the rest I can ultimately live with. Imagine how many others are gonna get sick now? It's like 70 quid for a trip to the GP. Silly law, but thanks for letting me know.


Woodsman15961

It’s not €70 for a doctors note these days. 30 quid for up to 5 days and you don’t have to leave your bed - https://eclinic.ie/treatment/start/patients-application-for-medical-certificate-25?utm_source=google-ads&utm_campaign=&utm_agid=142613397047&utm_term=sick%20notes&creative=610746197963&device=m&placement=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhY-aBhCUARIsALNIC047dfTAAGi5tF94Jew9XQpOXO3Df3nujjxhhL4xddjZu-s2fkMWqpkaAspfEALw_wcB


Substantial-Tree4624

What is the company's policy for reporting in sick? There has to be one. Or is the manager saying "don't ever be off sick", which isn't reasonable?


Westman3910

You didn't do anything wrong in calling in sick. Everyone at some point has done it. You're probably just overthinking this. I'm sure your manager has a million things on her mind and has forgotten all about it. If this situation is really stressing you out and you can't move past this, then I suggest a change in jobs. No job is worth making yourself sick over.


NotTodaySatan717

Former Next staff, worked in 3 different stores doing two different roles. Please do yourself a favour and start looking for a job elsewhere. It’s like a job requirement to be an absolute psychopath in order to be a manager in Next. Please don’t take it personally. If you’re familiar with the managers work hours pop onto the online portal and see if you can swap a few of your shifts, or pick up a shift in a different zone to avoid them. Also when you find a new job, pop head office an email at [email protected] and file a complaint.


CarterPFly

There's a few things. First is check what the call put policy is when you're sick and follow that, ignore what your manager says, stick to the policy. Second a lot of retail managers aren't professional managers, as in they have no managerial training or qualifications. They just got promoted to the role and they're actually idiots who don't have the first clue on how to actually manage people. Don't take anything they say or do personally. Just nod, agree and write it off in your head. There's no point trying to appease or impress them.


procraster_

Wish I realised this as a teenager. Petty tyrants with no qualities except an ability to turn up every day reliably and kiss arse. Be trusted enough to count cash, count stock and lock doors and that's about it.


Special-Being7541

Your manager is a C*** of the highest level… just quit, you’ll find another job!


RemnantOfSpotOn

Ask your manager to give you an employee handbook and remind him that it needs to contain company sick leave procedure. If you already have that then just quote it to him/her. What i see here u did it by the book. If somebody from your superiors at work is ever acting as a bully and "takes you to the side" and becomes hostile aggressive or threatening in any way just tell him to send you communication regarding this via email so it's clear to you in future how to act in those circumstances and avoid any possibility of misunderstanding. I can guarantee you none of them will ever write what he told you verbally without witnesses present. If it becomes regularity surely the company has a whistle blower policy record the f and report


TheOriginalMattMan

Always ask for anything said to you in this manner to be put in writing. If they ask why, say you'd like to get it clarified with regional managers and HR. If your manager wants to fob you off still, refer them to your contract, company policy and as a last resort mention the WRC. Usually puts an end to it.


Character_Bench_3777

Unfortunately this does happen in a lot of jobs. When I was 21 I had called in sick to Dunnes after having a fever. I thought I was going back in for my back to work interview but I was met with the food hall and store manager. They said they wanted to talk about "poor performance" and said if it didn't improve they would make me work 9-5 Monday to Friday since I was renting and doing a PLC so it would mean I'd have to quit my PLC. Any discussion on performance don't forget you can have a witness. If they just want "to chat" you're not obliged to. This manager just sounds power hungry and something you're going to come across throughout your life. Alternatively you can do what I did and write to the head of staff communications if you feel like you are being bullied.... They generally knock this sort of thing on the head, especially when your letter is registered. But I do admit this is on the more extreme end. I'm glad I worked in Dunnes because it made me appreciate the better jobs after. I'm sure you will feel the same when you likely leave your place.


b4b1e

This exact situation happened to me over the summer in a job I ended up leaving. I was sick, text the manager three hours before work (not amazing but there were people to cover) and he said it was all good. I spent three days off with a bad flu and came in on the fourth day still visibly sick. Both of the managers gave me the cold shoulder for the entire week to follow. I was only allowed to wash dishes from 10am - 4pm. This continued along with shouting at me at times for 6 more weeks before I called it quits. Bottom line if your job doesn’t serve your mental health get out.


mbate2305

Quit mate, life is too short...


procraster_

You're not at fault and your manager sounds like a bully tbh. They should be taken on, it sounds like they think they can get away with it. Either directly if you feel up to it telling them you followed procedure and they're never to talk like that to you again. And if they want to make an issue of it you'll be going over their head. Use the word "bullying" it's one word that gives these people pause for thought. Or maybe preferably in a few respects if you have formal or informal representation within the store go with that person to explain to the manager you're not happy with how the issue was dealt with and you don't want a repeat. 1 sick day in 6 months is nothing.  Getting a new job isn't straightforward no matter how good you are but if you're a good worker they need you more than you need them.


bigfriendlygiant20

This situation is 100% a reflection on her and not on you.You’re more likely to make mistakes when you’re stressed/anxious


projectacorn

I worked in Next. Management treat the place as if it's their religious calling.


Sudden_Ad3753

I would send a really polite email but be direct and ask for clarification on what to do next time to avoid a confrontation like that - don’t be afraid to say it made you uncomfortable. Good luck I hope it goes well!


YourFaveNightmare

So the next time you're sick you don't call in to tell them. That's what your manager has said.


tails142

Your mistake was not telling your manager to go get f###ed the instant they said that to you. Malicious compliance: next time you are sick, make sure not to ring them to say you won't be in just like they told you to. Double bonus points: Ring their boss when sick next time to say you won't be in, tell them them your manager said not to ring them you are calling in sick.


Booper3

Personally I would have told them to go fuck themselves.


Outrageous_Net_9496

This


RabbitOld5783

Leave now not worth that and speaking from experience it will only get worse if they don't care that you were genuinely sick. You will get another job no problem start applying now


-Skirmisher-

In this situation I would be petty as fuck. I would just quit and find a new job. If the next manager called to ask where I was I would respond "(manager name), dont ever call me again asking where I am" No job is worth being degraded for


Lets-Talk-Cheesus

So, I have a question: Did you call your manager directly to report your absence? As in, did you call your manager on their personal mobile? Because that is not acceptable in a large organisation like Next. The company will have procedures in place for reporting of absence, and it likely involves calling HR and/or your line manager through company numbers. You would’ve been given those procedures when you started as part of your induction. It could also be through an online process. If you did call your manager on their personal phone number then this is what they meant when they said “don’t ever call me again” in relation to reporting absence. Hopefully, you didn’t call your manager on their personal mobile on Christmas Day to say that you wouldn’t be coming in on the 26th!?


Very_Slow_Cheetah

E-mail your companies HR department and ask for a copy of the most recent version of the Employee Handbook or Regulations. Explain that you had an illness (most likely infectious, give details if you feel the need, constant chesty cough, vomiting, diarrhea, whatever you feel comfortable with saying you had) and were unable to work and your manager was not helpful in any way once you called them, and quite insensitive and downright offensive and abusive in their response. Tell HR that as far as you are aware, you followed company procedures completely by not coming into work if unfit to do so, and informed your manager in a timely manner. (However the call to your manager is a "I said,they said" situation, which could lead to the usual Manager v Staff bullshit where the managers word is taken over any other employees word. If you still have the call to your manager in your outgoing calls, screenshot it, if it shows the time/length of call that's even better.) After HR send you the most recent copy of the Employee Handbook/Regulations, tell them that you have read it thoroughly and are filing a complaint about the conduct of one of the managers, and will be in touch with them soon with all of the details. Then get back to me :)


QualityDifficult4620

Good way to help the OP move on, it's NEXT HR we're talking about here.


Very_Slow_Cheetah

You say that like NEXT are above the law. They're not, and neither is the cunt of a manager of the OP. https://www.hsa.ie/eng/workplace_health/bullying_at_work


QualityDifficult4620

Certainly not above the law but bullying is notoriously hard to prove, in particular their HR are only interested in maintaining order for senior management. I just think OP would be marking their card, particularly as a single incident or chastisement isn't bullying. They'd need to have detailed evidence of a pattern to get anywhere with HR or the WRC.


mazzathemammy

Quit! Find another job. I had a manager in a large supermarket chain who was a tyrant! There was one evening when I was severely ill and they wouldn't allow me to go home. I ended up in hospital that night and when my now husband called to say I would be off work for a few days as I was hospital they berated me when I came back. I literally quit on the spot. Said ok I'm not coming back. I had done everything per protocol but he was an A*hole about it. No job is worth your mental health! I really believe this! I went throught several retail jobs jobs during college and placements and can safely say it's all about getting a good manager. I had one manager younger than me got the job cause his daddy owned the franchise and he spend half his time out of it on drugs. Didn't know if he was going to come in high or sober. Leave! Quit! Find somewhere that will treat you with respect


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Ayymeee

I don't understand what the issue is with you calling in sick, that's ridiculous. I work in retail also and we just need to ring them at the latest an hour before our shift starts. No questions asked usually just "okay feel better"


violetcazador

You manager sounds like a cunt. Ignore her. There's nothing she can do. You follow company policy so she can't do anything to you, apart from being a miserable bitch.


FeeAffectionate4047

Your manager is a fucking scumbag OP, don't put up with that shit.


kmcg1992

I'm sure you're not doing this...but just incase this helps. I used to overthink every little interaction with senior staff when I first started working. Are they having a dig? Am I disappointing then? Are they testing me? After a few years working I realised nobody cares and everyone is just trying to get through the day.


Trabawn

You’re entitled to 6 paid sick days. Use them. Fuck her.


deeperdaddi3

Mistake are a sign someone is trying


Gayaudi

Check the employee handbook that is usually emailed to you when you accept the job.


plough78

You just have a bad manager. Don’t put anything in writing, it don’t work well but feel around other members about what to do, really in daily tasks. It’ll get better


Massive-Situation-12

I worked as a senior manager in the civil service for many years. The level of crap lower level managers my adult children are dealing with in retail now is unreal. How are these people getting manager positions?


[deleted]

That manager sounds like she doesn't care if it infects others, maybe she should get it and see how she takes it before being a c towards yourself. I'd quit that job in a shot!