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Managing for Attendance - Impact on applying for trainee driver role at GTR?
- Thread starter Jz2307
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Shouldn't you be asking HR?
What is an MFA for those of us who aren't "in the know"?
Managing For Attendance. Basically an Attendance Management system where if you are sick a number of times in a certain time you go onto stage 1, if you are sick again in an allotted time you progress to stage 2 and so on. Stage 4 I believe can lead to dismissal but there is some discretion and exceptions to a stage being progressed (if you aren't sick in that allotted time you go back to zero)
Cherry_Picker
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I can’t see why they would prevent your application, but a poor attendance record might not be looked upon favourably when applications are being filtered.
AgentGemini
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Depends on what grade you are now and the nature of your TOC I guess. One TOC deliberatly banged their guards off trainee driver apps for being on MFA stage one.
The only person who can answer that question is someone in your own company, obviously HR would know for sure as they'd be the one making such a policy?
At our place I know in the past the Trains Managers (CTMs these days) helpfully made sure the MFA was up to date for all the guards grade, this was done deliberately just before trainee driver jobs were advertised.
As I understand it, MFA stage 4 *is* dismissal, and stage 5 is appeal.
At our place I know in the past the Trains Managers (CTMs these days) helpfully made sure the MFA was up to date for all the guards grade, this was done deliberately just before trainee driver jobs were advertised.
As I understand it, MFA stage 4 *is* dismissal, and stage 5 is appeal.
I’m surprised at that, since stage one is merely used as a monitoring tool usually. At my previous TOC at least, you could be put on a stage one with just two days of absence in a given period, at the line manager’s discretion .
AgentGemini
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Yes, my insider tells me his TOC is the same - two days/periods and boom, stage one. Turns out it was used, as anything humanely possible was, to keep the guards (save a token few) from trainee driver roles. TOC in question preferred outsiders.
Pretty sure our place does that. Two instances in 13 weeks, and automatic enrolment in the system. Line managers have no discretion when going on to stage 1.
The whole thing is a joke, we're all monitored all the time anyway, even if not on any MFA stage?
The whole thing is a joke, we're all monitored all the time anyway, even if not on any MFA stage?
tiptoptaff
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MFA at my TOC isn't worth the paper it's written on, disciplinary wise. In fact, parts of it still refer to BR.... The triggers are also pointless. A former colleague in my old role got MFA'd because he had two weeks off recovering from an Op.
Your TOC may be different but I was MFA'd in my old role just before I was due to go driving and they told me it wouldn't affect it. It was only MFA1 though and the biggest chunk was because I'd had a week off after a car accident.
Your TOC may be different but I was MFA'd in my old role just before I was due to go driving and they told me it wouldn't affect it. It was only MFA1 though and the biggest chunk was because I'd had a week off after a car accident.
If you've got a poor sickness record and you're trying to move for a new role within the same company, then that will play a part in whether you get the job or not. Along with other factors such as attitude or whether they can release you from your current role etc etc.
From your other thread, I know you're in a talent pool awaiting a start date. Congratulations again, but because you're an internal candidate, the other factors mentioned above will play a role.
If you honestly feel aggrieved, then contact your HR department and the union if you're in one.
Just because something's brought through from BR doesn't mean it's irrelevant though, as far as I am aware anything not covered by DRI or more modern agreements might end up being resolved by the 'blue book'.
There's also the odd tale of guards with awful records for playing the system, going sick especially part way through a job, niggling about rosters, holidays, emergency leave, claiming to be bullied, claiming unfair treatment etc, constant aggro with passengers yet still getting a driver's job despite MFA stage and all of that. Far be it for me to say that the guards managers were more than happy to pass on such individuals - but I know I've seen it happen.
For some people being on an MFA stage when applying for other roles would be more of a hurdle than for others.
I've been MFA'ed for modest time off after a fatality in the past, it's a ridiculous system and has no place in a post-Covid industry as it clearly discourages people from having time off sick when they need to. I know myself in the past (~18 months ago) I've been in work when I should really have been off sick, the only reason I was in work was because of MFA and wanting to keep a clean record.
It really depends. I presume this is an internal vacancy? If so, they will of course have access to your attendance records. So yes you COULD progress by all means, but its certainly a factor that will be taken into account as it reflects your attendance which is obviously critical for any job.
Often the nature of absences will be taken into account. So if someone has 3 absences following planned operations, it MAY be viewed differently from someone having 3 absences for a cold / sickness etc. We all know you can’t drive a train with diarrhoea and that’s something that seems ridiculous to be penalised for!
Tom Quinne
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GTR the same firm who rejected conductors trainee driver apps if they joined the bitter industrial dispute.
GTR the same firm who stopped staff parking permits and travel passes, mutual shift swaps and accommodations if conductors took part in the bitter industrial dispute.
Id suggest they can and will do anything they like within the confines of employment law.
GTR the same firm who stopped staff parking permits and travel passes, mutual shift swaps and accommodations if conductors took part in the bitter industrial dispute.
Id suggest they can and will do anything they like within the confines of employment law.
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