Discrimination at Work

Cleo3

Hello

My Name is Cleo and I would really appreciate some advice and support about what I believe to be Disability Disctimination at work?

This is my first post so hope I've done it right.

Thanks 

Cleo3

@Biblioklept Hello Thank you for replying. I have been having an awful time at work for the last 8 months which is now affecting my mental health. I have worked there for over 20 years. I have had my job role changed twice now, being told in "Welcome Back Meetings" after being off sick with Covid,I had no Consultations or discussions about this and they know I would struggle in this role because of my Disability. I put a Grievance in the first time they did it, which I fought myself and retracted only because they acknowledged my Disability and I had a OH Assessment and Reasonable Adjustments put in place for me, I was still waiting for some of them 3 months later, also a family member was going through a health scare and I didn't need the further stress. I was then off again with Covid earlier this year, in my Welcome Back I was yet again told that my role would need to be changed and that my agreed Reasonable Adjustments were being taken away, I was stunned and couldn't believe this was happening to me again and that a pattern of their behaviour was building towards to me. No one else is having their Adjustments reviewed or retracted just me and I honestly don't know if I can go through this again constantly having to prove my Disability. I have worked for them for a long time and have only had minor issues before this, I just don't know where to turn anymore and don't know if I have the strength to carry on but this is want the probably want for me to leave. They have been aware of me or should be for over 10 years since my diagnosis.. I just don't know why it's changed towards me. I was told I have been given a stay of execution but it will be happening for now while they look Into things which made me feel absolutely worthless.

Sandy_123

Are you in a union to represent you.  I wouldn't advice leaving. Are you able to do your job with the adjustments 

Cleo3

Hello @Sandy_123

Thanks got you reply.  I asked the Union for support first time I faced this issue and they were not helpful at all they had no Reps available so I contacted a Solicitor  who gave me some helpful advice and I fought it on my own.  But now, they've done exactly the same thing again 3 months later just seems they want me out.  The OH report suggested moving me to another role like the one i was doing before but they have said nothing available for me, the Reasonable Adjustment they put in for me to be able to the role they have now retracted 3 months later.

Sandy_123

Might be worth a visit back to OH have you requested a meeting with someone from HR or a manager

Cleo3

Sandy_123 said:

Might be worth a visit back to OH have you requested a meeting with someone from HR or a manager

Yes, I have contacted HR who told me to ask them why they had retracted the adjustments again and how they made the decision yet again,  Yes, I've spoken to a Manager and got nowhere.  I do believe I'm being bullied and discriminated against.

Cleo3

It is just so tough, not only do we have to deal with our health/Disability but face this kind of treatment also.   Yes, there are laws in place but it's a constant battle 😔 

Sandy_123

It is but if your thinking of  leaving it is better to go on sick then leave. This would pŕomt OH assessment again. Also put your requests in writing and ask for written ones back approach union again if no luck change unions

Cleo3

Sandy_123 said:

It is but if your thinking of  leaving it is better to go on sick then leave. This would pŕomt OH assessment again. Also put your requests in writing and ask for written ones back approach union again if no luck change unions

Yes, I have been advised not to leave.  I have everything diarised and a paper trail as well.  I can't change Unions sadly as they won't take on anything predated to when you join, so I would have to pay for legal advice or fight it on my own, but at the moment I don't have the mental strength 

Sandy_123

 the union have free legal advice for members look into that. Also if you were to get retired through I'll health at work you'll loose any payments if you leave. 

Cleo3

Sandy_123 said:

 the union have free legal advice for members look into that. Also if you were to get retired through I'll health at work you'll loose any payments if you leave. 

What with my Pension?   I haven't really looked into that yet, I'm capable of work but not the job they want me to do without Reasonable Adjustments which they retracted..  The job I was doing I could do no problem and they supported me but now have decided they can no longer do that.  Thanks 

Albus_Scope

Hi @Cleo3 and welcome to the community. 

I can see you've already had some top advice from our community, but I just wanted to check to see if you'd spoken to anyone from ACAS yet? I found them very helpful. I'm glad to hear you've been leaving a paper trail though, that is super important.  

Cleo3

Albus_Scope said:

Hi @Cleo3 and welcome to the community. 

I can see you've already had some top advice from our community, but I just wanted to check to see if you'd spoken to anyone from ACAS yet? I found them very helpful. I'm glad to hear you've been leaving a paper trail though, that is super important.  

Hello

Thank you for the welcome 😊

I haven't spoken to ACAS yet but I have spoken to a Solicitor today who was very helpful and also gave me some good advice.  

Hannah_Alumni

@cleo3 I'm glad to hear you got some great advice from them. Please keep us updated!

DeerNewt92

Please contact ACAS for advice, have everything documented, also downloaded NHS app as this is proof of everything you have been going through and when you have seen a Dr over it, make sure all your disabilities are on records with work, going through the same myself 

Bydand

Cleo3 said:

Sandy_123 said:

Might be worth a visit back to OH have you requested a meeting with someone from HR or a manager

Yes, I have contacted HR who told me to ask them why they had retracted the adjustments again and how they made the decision yet again,  Yes, I've spoken to a Manager and got nowhere.  I do believe I'm being bullied and discriminated against.

Hi, Sorry to hear about the difficulties you are facing.

I would suggest you email HR and ask them to contact those responsible for retracting the adjustments, that is not your job, especially if HR have already had involvement in setting up OH appointments etc and are aware of the OH report….If there are difficulties at work then it’s best that you are not directly involved in having to sort it out.HR or union should be used as a buffer between yourself and the other party, that way all policies are being enforced and used as they should be and everything should be recorded.

I would agree that you do not resign or leave as you basically forfeit all rights and options open to you.

jane52

Hello

Sorry to hear you are going through these work difficulties.  You are receiving lots of good advice from people on here.   One organisation I also found helpful, many years ago, was the Association of Disabled Professionals.   I would imagine they will confirm what is already being said, but may have additional information/support they can offer.

Good luck with it; and do look after your stress levels along the way,