Hi, my name is Lin65!

Lin65

Hi to All!!! I've just joined! I've recently been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis. I work in housekeeping, am I now a liability to the company I work for, can they fire me as I am unable to do what I signed up to do. I wouldn't have signed up, if I'd known. I'd get the occasional stiff swollen joint, in the past but thought nothing of it and just carried on regardless. Since starting this job, the pain and swelling and intense fatigue have become so pronounced. Just wondering, if anyone has been in the same situation and if there's any advice or suggestions.

Sandy_123

Hi @Lin65 welcome to scopes forum. sorry to read that you are in pain when doing your job. 
Have you spoke to the company about your problems, approached management?

Have you had time off work with your illnesses? 
Maybe your employer can look at adaptions to make your job easier for you..  this could be reduced hours, as an example. 

Beaver79

Hi @Lin65 Welcome to the Community from me to. Have you checked if your work have a Occupational Health Policy? 

chiarieds

Hi @Lin65 - & welcome to the community. As above, you should have a discussion about 'reasonable adjustments' that your employer may be able to make. There's some info on this website & also from Acas:

https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/reasonable-adjustments-at-work/

https://www.acas.org.uk/reasonable-adjustments

Hopefully this may enable you to do some work without being in so much pain & suffering from fatigue. An Occupational Health assessment may help in identifying your needs, or if it has become impractical to continue working. Hoping this helps.

Hannah_Scope

Hello @Lin65

Welcome to the community!  

I see our members have given some great advice, outside of work, are you receiving support for your Osteoarthritis? 

Lin65

Hi Hannah_Scope,

Thank you for welcoming me!!
Yes, I've had great advice!!
My awesome daughter supports me and this group, which is pretty amazing but other than that, no.
I do have another question.
I informed my line manager of my diagnosis and either she was not aware of the condition or I don't know.
Her reaction was, I need to get a sick note, otherwise the company will view me as being able to strip, sanitize and set up 10+ rooms.
Does this mean I need to regularly get a sick note to ensure I get light work, from now on??? 

Hannah_Scope

@Lin65 I would double check the policy with HR as this would be an ongoing health issue for you and a sick note is something to sign you off for a time period. It may be that a letter from your GP would be accepted, but that can come at a cost depending on your GP.