Unable to park near work causing stress

crushedvelvet

Ive just started an office job on a large busy business park. I thought parking would be ok as there is lots of spaces but I didn't realise each company is only allocated certain sections of the car park and limited numbers of spaces. If you park anywhere on someone else's section you risk being fined.

I've worked here 3 weeks now and unless I arrive at 8am before my shift starts at 9 I will not get a parking space anywhere at all. All gone. Chatting to other staff everyone knows this so they arrive early and sit in their cars to secure a space. I'm not able to start my job any earlier.

My mobility is limited with pain, if I walk more than 2 minutes I need my walking stick. I limp and I'm slow. I've had a few falls tripping over uneven pavements. Arriving and sitting in my car for an hour especially in the cold isn't ideal due to pain and stiffness. It also adds extra unnecessary time onto my 9-5 job.

There are only 2 disabled bays and they are usually taken by anyone who is desperate to park. There is no on street parking, its all residents only and lacking any spaces anyway. People have to drive out of the area and do a 10-20 minute walk back. For me this will take at least double in pain.

I feel like this stress is not worth it and il have to leave due to not being able to access my workplace. People look at me and see a young person. They don't see my pain, fatigue and sickness this brings.

Ive spoken to my employer, they say just to arrive an hour earlier to get a space but they won't let me start work earlier.

Anyone else faced similar? This situation is making me so anxious. I had no idea accessing my work place would be so hard!

Holly_Scope

Hi @crushedvelvet I'm so sorry to read this. No one should have to arrive an hour early to work just to secure a space, let alone having to park a distance that's resulting in pain. From a personal perspective, I genuinely feel the organisation should resolve this but unfortunately, I don't have the legal expertise to say whether they "have to".

I do think this should fall under their duty of care to you and you have a right to request they look in to "reasonable adjustments". Was it your boss or HR that you initially raised this with? I've added the link to the gov website with a bit more detail on what typically should qualify. There's also some details of I've also added another link to a website I find useful for further detail.

Reasonable adjustments for workers with disabilities or health conditions - GOV.UK

What reasonable adjustments are - Reasonable adjustments at work - Acas

Citizens advice might be able to give a bit more advice on this situation too. I've added a link below to their website:

Citizens Advice

I hope you're able to receive the support from your employers. You really shouldn't have to deal with this worry.

Best wishes,

Holly.