Access in and out of work

Jamhan

Please can anyone give advice on access in and out of a workplace? I believe I am asking for a reasonable adjustment by asking to use the fire exit door as it is nearest entrance to my office. I have problems with mobility and sensory overload, the door in question is used to enter when unoccupied.

Ross_Alumni

Hello @janhan

Thanks for making this post, I hope you are well.

How has your employer reacted to your request to use the fire door? Is it something they have been receptive to or have there been challenges?

Jamhan

Ross_Scope unfortunately they are not letting me use the exit, even though I have used that exit for the last 18 months. It is having a impact on my health ( fatigue and exhaustion) I’m having to rest a lot more and it takes away the little bit of life I had out of work.

Ross_Alumni

Sorry to hear that @janhan, what has caused their sudden change of mind? It's strange that they have allowed it for 18 months but now aren't allowing it. 

Scope have an information page about reasonable adjustments not being provided at work, and part of that says:

If you are refused adjustments
Ask why. If you disagree, you could negotiate to get what you need. You could:

• explain why you believe the adjustments would not cause problems

• suggest ways to reduce the impact of the changes

• ask if alternative adjustments might be possible

If that does not work, you must follow the local complaints procedure. This may include:

• writing a formal letter

• speaking to Human Resources

• speaking to the Acas helpline about workplace problems

• challenging the decision in County Court or an employment or education tribunal

Have you had any discussions with your employer about why you use the fire door and what benefits it brings for you specifically?

Jamhan

Ross_Scope, I’m having conversations with the senior manager at the moment to see what she comes up with. I’m also speaking to the union as I can see it becoming a grievance. Today I have spoken to the welfare person at work and she is going to look into it as well. I have said they all need to do there inclusion and diversity trying again as they are not following it x

Alex_Alumni

That's positive to hear that you've got colleagues looking into it @Jamhan, and that they've been able to acknowledge standards have slipped. That's really not on, but you're taking the right steps to resolve it.

Keep us updated with how things go  

Jamhan

Will do Alex_Scope x