Your opening post does not mention it was planned how do you know it's not an emergency Op Or there was a cancelation my old man was called in with less than 12 hours notice for a heart op
How do you know his dad's employer isn't understanding? What does he do for a living?
And why are you letting him message you? We insist on phone calls for sick and holiday bookings
Was this the guy who did leafleting for you?
How long has he been employed by you?
You say you've been "on at him from day one about speed and water usage"
That sounds highly constructive and morale boosting...
Darran