Job security

Markw

I'm a postman 21 years service . I have idiopathic Intercrainal Hypertension and have had it since 2001 .. my employer has sent me for medical retirement twice and both times it was turned down and recommend reasonable adjustments were advised .. but I've never been given them ! Now all duties are being reviewed and I'm being assigned more work ! So no recognition of medical reports , increase in work load and zero job security .. I've complained to the union ( responded get on with it ! ) . I've been through the grievance procedure and won my case ! But this is now planned for 2 weeks time .. it will effect my health effect my attendance and take away my security ? WHAT CAN I DO ??

Jean_OT

Hi @Markw

It sounds as if you are going to have to really assert yourself to try to get your employer to listen and get the necessary reasonable adjustments put in place. You might find advice from EASS useful to explore what protection the Equality Act 2010 can offer, they also have  template letters for employers that you can download from their website: http://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/app/answers/list

An assessment from Access to Work may also be appropriate: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work

Ideally I think you should take some professional advice about how your employer is treating you more generally, as there may be breaches of employment law. You could speak to ACAS: http://www.acas.org.uk Alternatively, you could pursue things via your union to try to speak to one of their advisors who has more expertise/understanding. Sometimes it is possible to get some free legal advice via an employee assistance scheme or your home insurance if it includes legal cover.

Best Wishes

Jean

Markmywords

I second the advice above. ACAS is also now a compulsory first step before an Employment Tribunal. Tribunals are free again as the fees being charged were overturned last year.

If everything you've said is backed up with written evidence then a letter from ACAS might be enough on it's own for your employer to comply with the law.

It sounds as though you really have nothing to lose at this point.

Do not quit though as the stats on winning via a voluntary "Unfair Dismissal" route are very poor.

They might try to buy you off with a "Settlement Agreement." If so then getting an experienced employment solicitor is required. The other side pays for them.