Am I being treated fairly as a disabled employee?

pebblepeople

I have been disabled for over 12 years. I work for a company that has an Income Protection Scheme in place where 50% of my annual salary will continue to be paid to me whilst I am ill and unable to work. This is paid up to my retirement age of 67. I am aware that I am fortunate to have this in place.

 I was put on the Income Protection Scheme when I was 38 years old. I am now 50. My annual salary has never changed and therefore inflation has eaten away at the monies. The only way a salary can be increased is due to performance (this relates to bonuses too).  

When I raised it with the company last it was stated:

"the guidelines say that 'benefit in the form of salary paid to individuals under the Scheme will be reviewed from time to time at the Company’s discretion'".

 and

"Due to the economic climate at the time, and the Company's constant need to maintain the cost base, these discretionary increases are purely based on individual performance, with only the high performers being granted an increase."

Is this something that I could pursue? Am I being unfairly treated as a disabled person? I am referred to as an employee regarding all other matters (i.e. pension contributions, private health cover, save as you earn schemes etc). 

What do you think?

Cher_Alumni

Hello @pebblepeople and a warm welcome to our community, how are you keeping today?

Thanks for telling us about your situation and that's a very good question, and one I wouldn't confidently be able to reply to I'm afraid. However, there are specialist organisations in the know who would be in a good position to offer advice, these are:

• Equality Advisory and Support Service
• ACAS

In the meantime, I've moved your post to our Work and employment category and amended the title so others can more easily spot it and offer their wisdom. 

Take care, and if you could give us an update on how you get on that would be fab. 

janer1967

Hi there 

Sorry I don't know much about income protection  schemes maybe worth speaking to an insurance expert of  union rep if you have one 

I can't see there being a case for discrimination here as the same rules apply to say someone who had long or frequent absence and wasn't disabled.  The only argument is that a disabled person may have more time off due to their vibdition but this isn't always the case 
As being disabled doesn't mean you are more likely to be off sick 

Try cab or welfare rights for some advice