Excuse to leave work - temporarily?

heyyo · 15-03-2005, 14:24

ok heres the problem...basically i was working until i had the opportunity to get some paid experience at the bbc, so i went for the latter.

i have lied to my manager basically informing her there was a family emergency and i was wondering if this is ok? i had no credit in my phone so have only texted my manager....obviously she will not be happy but this is the only way i could think of....

and yes i know its a very sad thing to do...

**Russ** · 15-03-2005, 14:27

On your conscience let it rest...

danielf · 15-03-2005, 14:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by heyyo

i have lied to my manager basically informing her there was a family emergency and i was wondering if this is ok?

In one word: no...

Aragorn · 15-03-2005, 14:42

I'm with danielf.

Look at it from her side - you are (probably) still being paid by her (while on compassionate leave) and getting paid by the BBC as well. She doesn't know if you've had a bereavment and probably won't feel comfortable chasing you, so you're leaving her limbo.

Do the decent thing and tell her the truth!

STONEISLAND · 15-03-2005, 14:46

Sorry but I don't think your being that helpful lads I'm sure we have all done sickes at work.

How about a pet passing away or long loss relation has returned home?

**Russ** · 15-03-2005, 14:53

Well seeing as we're dishing out advice on how to lie to our employers, why not a thread on the best way to be unfaithful to your spouse? Perhaps a thread on the best way to lie to the police? I'm sure that would be interesting.

heyyo · 15-03-2005, 15:03

im sure if others were in my situation - a media graduate and get offered to do some temp work at bbc would jump at the chance.

**Russ** · 15-03-2005, 15:05

As someone working in the media I agree - but I will not agree that lying to someone's employer is appropriate in any way.

danielf · 15-03-2005, 15:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by heyyo

im sure if others were in my situation - a media graduate and get offered to do some temp work at bbc would jump at the chance.

Nobody is saying it is not a good opportunity. We're just sating that it's not good to lie to your employer about why you're absent. Out of interest, how long is your work with the BBC for?

heyyo · 15-03-2005, 15:08

does anyone know the legalities of using an excuse (family emergency) is this sackable in the long-term. im only at the bbc for a month.

**Russ** · 15-03-2005, 15:11

It depends on the terms of your employment but I'd imagine that doing what you've done would be grounds for dismissal (gross misconduct), seeing as you have been dishonest to your employer. Some may see this as a breach of trust.

Just be hopeful that no-one finds out.

gazzae · 15-03-2005, 15:15

You're getting paid by the BBC, so why not take unpaid holidays from your current job?

Marge · 15-03-2005, 15:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by heyyo

does anyone know the legalities of using an excuse (family emergency) is this sackable in the long-term. im only at the bbc for a month.

A month

Have to be some dire family emergency to be out of contact and away from work for a month. Perhaps you should have had a chat first of all with your employer, they may have agreed to a months absence without pay seeing as the BBC will be paying you

danielf · 15-03-2005, 15:19

I am wondering why there was such a rush to take up this job before discussing it with your manager. By the sound of it you texted her on the first day you were at the BBC. Did you tell the people at the BBC you were available immediately?

Nugget · 15-03-2005, 15:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by heyyo

does anyone know the legalities of using an excuse (family emergency) is this sackable in the long-term. im only at the bbc for a month.

To be quite honest heyyo, I'd guess that this is sackable in the short-term. Not only are you actively lying to your actual employer, but there could be ramifications from a tax point-of-view - if you are getting 2 wages, you're probably not paying the right amount of tax.