[UK] advice about formal capability process after PIP and possible reference?
Hi!
I'd like some advice or guidance in this situation as I'm so besides myself with anxiety I am struggling to figure out what is best.
I work in mental health services and I've worked at this place for 4 years. I was put on a Performance Improvement Plan due to concerns around productivity and initiative. My job is ad-hoc and works with people in crisis, it involves long hours including a 24h sleep in shift. No matter how productive I am at work they seem to find a flaw and bring it up in review meetings. I have a recent diagnosis of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue which is clearly what's impacting my performance. They are aware of this.
I failed the PIP recently and now they're going ahead with a Stage 1 formal capability hearing. The outcomes either I pass, PIP extension, or first formal written warning. I'm trying to fight for an extension on the basis that I have only just been offered coaching which will start this week, occupational health got involved quite late into the process, and I have requested a reduction in hours and they are yet to implement that.
The difficulty is this place is making me miserable. I have mental health diagnoses too and I am genuinely unwell both mentally and physically because of this. I fear I can't go off sick because they'll go ahead with the meeting without me. But I am unwell. My union representative is unable to attend as there was not a lot of notice and she will be on annual leave. I'm hoping to call her for advice beforehand but she's extremely busy so may not be available. Resigning of course risks a loss of income until I find something else.
I have applied for a new role and if I get shortlisted, interviews are next Thursday 28th May. I may have already had the capability meeting by then (awaiting confirmation of date). The worry is that if they decide to go ahead with a written warning, they will have to disclose this on the reference if asked. I feel like it is likely they will be asked about any disciplinary actions as it is also a mental health role. I wonder if it will be almost better if I tell them I'm leaving and applying for other jobs and ask for a mutual agreement. I have a good relationship with my manager outside of this situation and I don't believe she would be petty or purposefully jeopardize my future job opportunities but if the reference form asks she obviously legally has to say.
What's my best option here? What would look better for me on future references? I'm relying on this place for a reference and there's no way of getting out of it. Would it be better to just resign now? I have savings to fall back on but it isn't ideal, and I don't yet know if I'll get this job so it's a risk. If I do get a warning, what is the best way of explaining this? How detailed will they be? It relates to difficulty having 1:1 meaningful interaction with service users so I'm worried about how that will look. I have a previous dismissal on my record which has been disclosed in references previously (unfair dismissal but I didn't pass probation so couldn't appeal) Any guidance on what the best action would be so I don't feel like my career is over would be appreciated 😭 I'm not doing anything purposefully I genuinely struggle with my conditions. I have such a passion for this sector and I feel at such a disadvantage. Maybe I should outright ask my manager if it'll be better if I leave... I honestly don't know. I'm not well at all so it's hard to make important decisions without support...
This job I applied for will be easier to manage. It's a 9-5, isn't ad-hoc and has more structure, and it isn't in crisis services. I plan to explain I can manage this better with my health conditions.