Working and CP

Katie21
Katie21 Community Member Posts: 31 Contributor
in Work

I know there’s a group for CP but I can’t remember it.

I’ve worked in the same classroom for 6 years this years, about 2.5 years ago there was a staff change.

This individual doesn’t like chairs maybe they have a phobia, either way they’ve said chairs are “unproductive”

A few weeks ago my chair (which I used under the equality act) got put away, tidying up was the first reason then it was it’s in the way and is “against health and safety”.

This situation has sort of been resolved, there’s been no apology and I’ve basically been being ignored or if I’ve asked the member of staff a question they’ve responded to another adult or at worst a client. Until yesterday when the chair wasn’t out so it’s been being put away. I barely get a hi etc. My boss is aware and really they’re happy to sweep it under the carpet

family keep saying go to the union but I just feel that they won’t be interested I’m disabled and in this country I feel that we are second class citizens, feels we don’t have a place or a right.

What do I do?

Comments

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 3,893 Online Community Team
    edited June 11

    Hi @Katie21 I'm so sorry you're being treated like this. It must be so difficult for you. I used to work in a school and had a chair that I used due to chronic pain. I would suggest going to your union - I used mine and they were incredibly helpful. Do you feel able to do that?

    I'll tag our wonderful CP team who may be able to help further @Richard_Scope @SaraC_Scope @Lucy_Scope.

  • Katie21
    Katie21 Community Member Posts: 31 Contributor

    Thanks @Rachel_Scope

    I’m scared to go to my union. I was bullied at school, they weren’t bothered it ended up with me being physically assaulted. Therefore I find it really hard to trust people ask for help. I feel more comfortable asking a disabled person because I feel like we understand each other.

    Please could I ask what happened in your case?

  • Stellar
    Stellar Community Member Posts: 498 Trailblazing
    edited June 11

    First of all, don't gaslight yourself into thinking the union won't be interested.

    They don't have a phobia of chairs, and your situation has not been resolved. Far from it.

    They're trying to force you out via constructive dismissal and are hoping you won't fight back.

    The silent treatment is a sign of a toxic workplace, and it shows that they know exactly what they're doing.

    By not taking action, you are making it easier for them to get rid of you.

    Your family are right that you need to contact your union.

    I'd also consider filing a grievance or some other formal complaint.

    Document everything.

    Contact ACAS.

    You also need to update your CV and start applying for similar roles ASAP so you can leave before they push you out.

    They've already decided they want you gone because they're ableist. Don't make it easy for them.

  • Katie21
    Katie21 Community Member Posts: 31 Contributor

    @Stellar we’re good at gaslighting ourselves, or at least I am

    My dad mentioned constructive dismissal- not entirely sure what it means tbh

    And you’re not the only one who thinks that the environment is toxic. But I have a second job which requires me to go abroad about 5 weeks a year (representing the country) , my boss and staff in general have always appeared supportive, so that’s what keeps me there but just thinking I work for the council so it would be similar conditions

    I write down the good, bad and ugly after every shift.

    I did think about my CV last night so will get on with that asap.

    Thank you @Stellar As much as some of that was a hard read it’s true sadly.

  • SaraC_Scope
    SaraC_Scope CP Network, Scope Posts: 430 Pioneering

    Hi @Katie21

    I'm Sara one of the CP specialists in the CP Network. I have right-sided hemiplegia and epilepsy. I'm so sorry to hear your experiences at work. This shouldn't be happening, but I understand as it happened to me 10 years ago when I worked for my Local Authority.

    As others have mentioned, you are within your rights to contact your Union. I did this before I had to go on sick leave after months of silent bullying. (the worst kind). The Union supported me through mediation and things got resolved to a degree. I started looking for other work after this as I knew it wasn't the place for me. But wanted to speak up for myself and prove I was right.

    One of the main issues I faced, was my colleagues kind of dismissed my disability as it's not visible on first glance and my seizures were under control. They assumed I was okay and should be doing the same as the rest of the team. Complete lack of understanding that seizures weren't happening because I take high doses of medication every day.

    @Stellar has given you some great advice. I would recommend once you have a log of everything that's been said to you and what you've experienced, take a deep breath and contact ACAS or your Union.

    These people need educating. Cerebral Palsy isn't just a childhood disability!

    We have the Cerebral Palsy Network which you are welcome to join. We host monthly Zoom meetings and it's a space to meet likeminded people and access resources and advice. There is also a great Facebook page called Cerebral Palsy Adult Advice UK.

    If you would like a conversation to discuss anything further, please contact our team.

    Best wishes.

  • Katie21
    Katie21 Community Member Posts: 31 Contributor

    Hi @SaraC_Scope

    Thank you, despite what I wrote in my first post, there is silent bullying too.

    Why does this happen? Anyone can become disabled at any point in their life. I wonder if the individual has googled CP (as we know google is gospel) and it's said CP as a Childhood condition blah blah.

    How do I contact your team is it the community email at the bottom of the website or is there a specific one? All I'm thinking is that it might just help me to take that deep breath and take action knowing there is direct email to people who properly understand.

    Many Thanks

    Katie

  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,971 Cerebral Palsy Network

    Hi @Katie21

    You can email cpnetwork@scope.org.uk, or you can tag @SaraC_Scope, @Lucy_Scope or me on here.

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 3,893 Online Community Team

    Hi @Katie21, sorry I've only just seen your question. My outcome was positive. I had to take time off work due to my disability and they tried to split my absences so it looked like I had more instances of absence than I did. My rep and I had a Teams meeting with the Headteacher and someone from HR and the rep backed me up and was able to point out specific rules that supported my case.

    With regards to my chair, I was lucky in that the schools were accommodating, and that there were other staff members who required a special chair too.

    I'm glad the CP team have been in touch and given you support.

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