Hi, my name is Jo - employer trying to terminate employment?

Josnoopy1

Joining this community for support 
currently working and getting a lot of stress due to physical problems I am having as a result of my cp  

Cher_Alumni

@Josnoopy1 Hello and a huge warm welcome to our online community, it's lovely you found us albeit in stressful circumstances. How's it going today?

Would you be able to tell us a little bit more about the work stress you're experiencing so we can offer some support?  If you want to take a gander in our Cerebral palsy and Work and employment categories too you might find something you can relate to, or that offers a little comfort. 

We're all ears and ready to help as much as we can 

Josnoopy1

Over the past few months I have been experiencing more difficulties with my cp. my employer has known from when I started my job five years ago of my disability, but recently as I have been going through menopause I have been having more difficulties physically, I am awaiting a neurologist appointment.  I have kept my employer updated.  I work in a day centre with high level dementia clients.  They have been taking me off some of the client support duties which I have always managed to do.  Just because I was upfront about the situation I am now being referred to occupational health to assess capabilities for a second time. This is being carried out via video link. I have asked for face to face appointment but have been told that this is not possible due to location.  I feel they are trying to terminate my employment.  Any advice?

janer1967

Hi there 

I would look at this differently and that your employer is looking out for your best interests 

They have a duty of care to ensure you are working safely 

A referral to oh isn't a bad thing it will allow them to assess your changing needs within the workplace and recommend any reasonable adjustments that could make things easier for you 

They are doing the responsible thing here and what would be expected of any reputable company 

JaneC_

Josnoopy1 said:

I have been having more difficulties physically, I am awaiting a neurologist appointment.  I have kept my employer updated.  I work in a day centre with high level dementia clients.  

They have been taking me off some of the client support duties which I have always managed to do.  Just because I was upfront about the situation I am now being referred to occupational health to assess capabilities for a second time. 

This is being carried out via video link. I have asked for face to face appointment but have been told that this is not possible due to location.  I feel they are trying to terminate my employment.  Any advice?

Hi @J@Josnoopy1, I’m sorry to hear about your increased physical difficulties and the issues at work, that does sound stressful. 

A few of suggestions:
1. you could request the OH assessment is done at home but the question to consider is what will a face to face achieve that can’t be done online?
 If you can point out what extra information will be gleaned by face to face you can outline this in your request for the adjustment to the process.
For example, it might be that in a face to face assessment they can measure your grip, strength, observe you walking and the effects on you afterwards. It’s about what physical effects relevant to your job they need to access.

2. It would be good if you haven’t already to think about adjustments/changes your employers could make to help you continue with your current duties, or what alternative  work they have. For example, more rest breaks, changes to hours? This would help you in the OH and their recommendations as well as give you further ideas about what you can and can’t do / or how you might make it work

3. if your in a union they can support you. Otherwise is there a CP charity which might have advice on work adjustments. You might look on other threads in the forum too.

I wish you all the best with the assessment. Do let us know how you get on and come back if you have any other questions