Hi, my name is MOmahoney! diagnosed March 2022 with long covid

MOmahoney

end of 2021 I was diagnosed with adult ADHD, I was also diagnosed March 2022 with long covid, after contracting Covid again in Easter 2022, then I ended up with surgery for appendectomy.  My physical and mental health continued to deteriorate most of the summer, but I attempted to return to work on two phased returns for 4 of so weeks at a time, each time I was put on urgent projects both times even though, they knew of my disabilities and that I needed adjustments, then the last project they put me on was a project to explain what was the discipline I was employed to do, what revenue was it going to bring in, what were my plans for the year ahead, my skills etc etc, about 20+ questions I was asked to pull it not a white paper, obviously sometime to share with the board and/or clients as it also asked for case studies.   I found this a very strange request considering I was still struggling, mentally and physically and they had had the discipline in the company before I joined, they've not deal with any of my return well, they barely keep in contact and I continue to struggle with Long Covid symptoms.  My question is can I bring a grievance to them for how it's been badly dealt with and/or can I ask for a settlement so I can leave to focus on my health?  I'm really stuck, as it's a very stressful company, it's been really hard for me to rejoin them as the projects and the way it's all been dealt with is so unhelpful.  

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

Of course you can put in a grievance if you feel you have been treated unfairly

Asking for a settlement to leave isn't normal practice and doubt that would be considered 

You first need to raise the complaint and give them opportunity to put adjustments in place . If they don't put anything in place and you are still not satisfied you then need to appeal that decision 

You need to exhaust all internal channels to resolve an issue first then proceed to employment tribunal if you have a suitable case . If it goes that far that's when possible settlement comes in but only if you have a case against them 

I suggest you have a look at the acas website for guidance on this 

MOmahoney

Thank you, I have spoken to ACAS and they said I can raise a grievance now if I feel it is needed, however, the job itself is too much for me now with my brain fog etc, I also don't want to travel into the office, as it's a very stressful and busy journey.  The didn't even have a disability policy they could share before I kept pushing, they are part of  one of the biggest Ad agencies in the world.   I will continue to see how we traverse all of the issues.  Thank you again 

janer1967

When you mention settlement are you referring to it for unfair treatment or for you finishing for medical reasons 

If medical the first routd would be to get referred to oh for a work place assessment and see what they recommend 

Some companies pay a settlement for medical dismissal but this is not a legal requirement so you would need to refer to company policy 

Good luck hope you get something sorted 

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @MOmahoney

Welcome to the community!

I can see Janer has already helped with some great advice. I wanted to let you know, I popped your post into our Physical and Neurological Impairments section of the forum, in the hopes it can been seen more to help you and help others.

I'm sorry you've been struggling with long covid and that your transition back into work has gone this way. I hope speaking to ACAS brings some positive changes for you 🤞