I’ve worked for my employer for more than 20 years in an office based role.
For many years I’ve had chronic pain - ulna neuropathy of shoulder, shoulder bursitis, CRPS shoulder, hyper mobility, carpal tunnel syndrome & now tennis elbow!
Over the years I’ve had various treatments but am now reliant on medication though am waiting for treatment for tennis elbow.
I last saw OH in February as though I am working full time without being off sick, I am struggling with both the pain and the medication side effects which cause brain fog, dizziness & tiredness. I’m also having migraines each week which my neurologist said is linked to and caused by the neuropathy and often have nausea due to pain.
My sleep is terrible due to the pain which doesn’t help.
OH recommended I WFH (at the time we were asked to go to the office once a week) as I was unable to drive on my medication and even if I stopped taking it, the your drive was difficult due to the pain. In addition they recommended flexibility on my start times, a reduction in my workload, task rotation, removal of targets at work and allowances for extra breaks. They also asked for an ergonomic assessment at home.
My manager agreed to WFH and flexibility with start times but refused all other adjustments due to business need. It has however helped greatly to be able to WFH as I don’t feel safe driving that far and was wiped out & in agony after a day in the office. I was provided with a new chair following the ergonomic assessment which has also helped me be a little more comfortable.
Unfortunately I have been told that I must start coming into the office 3 days a week as that is the new company policy. I explained that OH said I should WFH but was told by my manager that they do not have to take their advice. I challenged this as the OH report confirmed I have a disability under the equality act and so reasonable adjustments need to be made. My manager said she doesn’t agree with this and she will not treat me differently from my colleagues. She said I cannot expect ‘favourable treatment’.
I have asked to be referred back to OH which she has reluctantly agreed to do and I am sure the Doctor will recommend the same adjustments given I am not better. My manager has said she can still refuse to allow WFH and said I should be ‘over it’ by now. I explained as I have so many times that the conditions are chronic and they will likely fluctuate but not go away. My specialist has said that I will need medication for the foreseeable future. I asked why I need to go in when I have shown I am productive, I have excellent appraisals & can do all of my role from home and have been since 2020. She said she won’t agree it as not coming in will affect my mental health. I said coming in will cause more issues with the potential of an accident as I am not safe to drive (& legally cannot drive when affected) or a worsening of my condition (& so increased likelihood of poor performance or sickness absence).
I am really stressed about the whole situation and feel so helpless. Despite having pain for years my mental health has always been really good but I’m at the stage where I think I need to see my GP. I am good at my job and am only asking to WFH as I cannot get to the office (public transport would be 2 hours each way with a mile walk at each end too so not realistic).
If the new report from OH recommends WFH again but my manager refuses this what are my options to escalate this?
For info, I work for a very large organisation who can afford to pay for and support adjustments. I am non customer facing and the only person in my small team who does my role.
Many thanks
