Reasonable adjustments being removed at work.

mothas

dear people I hope you can help.

Background
i was diagnosed with an incurable haematological cancer 7 years ago and have had multiple lines of treatment including chemo and radiotherapy. This has left me tired , with a weakened immune system and quite substantial damage to my bones in my shoulder and rib, causing persistent pain. However as I very much enjoyed my job as an academic I remained in work full time. My employers have been supportive until recently. Around 18 months ago I negotiated a change of duties with my Dean, to focus on research and administration due to the effects of my illness. This also benefits me from having less contact with students and being exposed less to infections. I can work at home much of the time too.

Problem
In recent months however there has been a faculty reorganisation and I am now being asked to contribute to teaching again even though the original circumstances that framed the agreement I had with the Dean have not changed (in fact they have intensified)

My question
Where do I stand legally and in regard my rights as a disabled person at work? My agreement with the Dean was never described as reasonable adjustments or put in writing as such although I have a document with a list of duties that the Dean agreed to. Does the fact that the University has for the past 18 months been happy for me to carry out my current role mean that this is an acceptance by them of their provision of reasonable adjustments. If so, can an employer legally subsequently row back on them?

many thanks

AlexW_Scope

Hi @mothas

ACAS provides information, advice, training, conciliation and other services for  employees to help prevent or resolve workplace problems. You can call their helpline on 08457 47 47 47 for free and confidential advice. If you’re thinking about lodging an employment tribunal claim, you will need to contact ACAS.

If you think you’re being discriminated against then the best people to talk to would be the Equality and Human Rights Commission's helpline, called the Equality Advisory Support Service. Their number is 0808 800 0082. They are the experts in discrimination although they do not have the resources to give specific legal advice.

You can also call Scope’s free helpline on 0808 800 3333. Our opening hours are weekdays (except bank holidays) 9am to 5pm. 

This guide may also be helpful: Support to help you keep your job when ill or disabled.

Best wishes, Alex

steve51

Hi @mothas

Welcome to our website & online community.

Please please follow @alexwhite info above.

If there is anything elsethat I can help / support you with please let me know ??????

Many thanks.

Zaid_Alumni

Hi @mothas

As an Employment Specialist, I would also advise you to follow the advice given by @alexwhite

We cannot give legal advice but I feel that legal advise is what you need at this time.

Scope has lots of good leads here: https://www.scope.org.uk/Support/Disabled-people/local-advice/Legal-help 

I would move on this urgently to know fully, and protect your rights @mothas

Please do let us know how things develop.