Need to change my hours

mistyvic

Hi

I was recently diagnosed with ME/CFS and was off work for almost a year. My GP and occupational health advised to return to my job on a part time basis of no more than 20 hours a week. Building up to this gradually.

My work were standing firm, saying my role had to be full time. They did offer me a temporary role, but as it was temporary I said it wasn't appropriate.

I eventually agreed to a phased return in my current role, building my hours up gradually. They gave me 12 weeks to build up to full time, ie 5 days. Which sadly I have not been able to achieve.

To buy myself more time I have suggested I could try to build up to 4 days. They have said they would put me on a trial for 3 months at 4 days. Which starts in 2 weeks. But I'm only currently working 3 days (every other day) and not full days. So I'll basically go from about 17 hours a week to 30 hours!

I'm finding it very stressful and don't know what to do. I've been working there for 20 years and hardly ever off sick until I developed this condition. I'm reaching the point now where I'm wondering if I should hand in my notice. Any advice would be appreciated.

Albus_Scope

Hey there @mistyvic and welcome to the community.

I'm sorry to hear you've been unable to get to an agreement with your employers. Have you spoken to anyone at ACAS about this? They're very good with work law. Adding an extra 12+ hours to your working week does seem like a bit of a steep change!