Hi, my name is Stillstandingstrong! Just need to get something off my chest

Stillstandingstrong
Stillstandingstrong Community member Posts: 1 Listener
edited July 2022 in Work
Apologies for the long post. Just need to get some things off my chest! 
I have been working in a new job for around 3 months now and have had some issues about my disability.
I was offered the job soon after interview. I noticed in the following weeks HR had not sent me a health questionnaire so I requested that they send one to me which I filled out detailing my disability of M.E and being in Cancer remission.
They asked me about reasonable adjustments which was good but also asked why I had not disclosed my health problems at interview. As far as I knew I didn't realise it was legal to do so and in my 45 years of working nobody has ever said this to me before.
In a recent meeting with my manager to talk about some issues that I was unhappy with I asked how she thought I was doing in the job as I wanted some feedback while in the probation period.
She proceeded to tell me how I couldn't do this shift or that shift and how difficult it was to arrange my hours. I felt really annoyed as  we had agreed at interview I would work certain days at certain hours with some flexibility on my part which I had been doing to help out when short staffed.
She also even commented I couldn't walk far.
She never asked me about my disability and how it affects me.
I can actually walk up to 3 miles comfortably and have pushed a client in a wheelchair on a few occasions for 2 miles.
She didn't appear to have one good word to say about me. I have put my heart and soul into this job and gone the extra mile for the company in many, many ways.
Due to her negative attitude and abrupt manner and my upset and  disappointment with some unresolved issues I then handed my notice in giving a weeks notice.
The next morning I rang the manager to retract it though as I felt I had acted in haste and there were aspects of the job I really liked. I was worrying myself sick over how I would manage financially. She told me she had to speak to HR. After not hearing anything for 4 days I rang HR only to be told they had to speak to my manager! 
Eventually I got a text a week later from my manager saying I was on probation and she would not be continuing my employment. 
After a month now without pay HR have tried to help and suggested another role in their company in a different unit or offering me bank work. Because of the distance involved to travel and high price of petrol this is not an option for me unfortunately.
This company promotes equality and has in depth training on disability discrimination. The nature of the job is caring for and supporting people with disabilities to live independently and reach their potential. 
How ironic!


Comments

  • Tori_Scope
    Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,443 Championing
    Welcome to the community @Stillstandingstrong :) 

    I'm sorry to hear about the experience you've had with your new job. I don't feel as though your manager handled that conversation in the right way, and I can see why you might feel upset about it. 

    If you feel you need some advice on where you stand, ACAS may be able to help. We also have a page on disability discrimination at work, which you might find useful to read if you feel you were treated unfairly. 

    If you're thinking of looking for another job, I was wondering whether you might like to check out one of our employment services? Perhaps one of our friendly advisers could support you in finding and securing some suitable work? 

    You're unfortunately not the only person who's been put in a situation like this. I've moved your post into our work and employment category. If you take a look through there, you might be able to find some people who've been through a similar experience to you.