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Sick Leave
Posted by Student - 11:00 AM 27.07.10
I work as a part-time retail sales advisor at a well known entertainment retail and hi-fi store (I study full time at university). I have been working for the company for around 3 years, and have been part time for 7 months (previously had been working as a casual staff member but was forced into part-time with the threat of losing hours). Last week I worked on Thursday, and awoke ill on Friday. I called my immediate boss 3 hours before my shift started to advise that I wouldn't be coming in to work as I was ill. The next day I was still ill but knew the store would be short staffed so I went to work, and after working for two hours was sent home because I was sick. I then worked the following day as I was feeling much better. I am now being told that I won't be paid for Friday's shift as I "wasn't ill but didn't feel like going in to work" which is completely untrue. The manager who has decided this was the same one who sent me home on Saturday due to illness. I have never taken a sick day the whole time I have been part time but do not know my rights in this situation. Is it up to the boss to decide whether or not I was genuinely ill on the Friday? Am I without any rights in this situation? I don't know who to ask because the HR department of this company are extremely unhelpful. Thank you for any advice you can offer.
 
Posted by Helpline - 1300 486 466 - 11:49 AM 27.07.10
It does seem as if your boss is being pretty harsh with regard to this – especially as you were sent home ill on the Saturday. We’d really like to talk to you in order to get a bit more information – that way we can give you advice about your rights and how best to proceed . Could you give us a call? Our toll free number is 1300 362 223. We’re open Monday to Thursday 9am (EST) to 6.30pm and Friday from 9am to 4.30pm.
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