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Hi, my name is Emm4_G2!
Emm4_G2
Member Posts: 8 Listener
Before Covid I was able to do 100% of my job. I type for the NHS and have found this to have been great for my well-being and gives me a purpose in life. I am now signed off work due to changes in my role which have involved lifting notes (simple for some people). I was employed with full knowledge of my disability and that lifting would not be possible for me. I did do it to start with as I could not ask colleagues because all of our work has trebled since Covid and didn't want to be a burden. Consequently, this has caused a huge flare of my arthritis, fibromyalgia, CTS and lots more. My GP has stated in my fit note that I need support before I can go back. I am also trying to apply under their Flexible working policy to do my job from home, but feel that my manager will decline this based on the fact she declined me when I asked if I could during Covid knowing full well that other colleagues in different departments were already doing so as they were given the choice to either work from home or come into work regardless of they were shielding etc, plus all my managers were working from home, including my own manager. She refused despite me saying that the Government stated if you can work from home then you should work from home. She rebuffed this and said that only people who were at risk were sent home. This I know to be untrue talking to other people in different departments. I have now been told that because I declared I could only do 90% of my role that it would be unlikely i could work from home and that if my assessment from an independent company called RPS which was triaged to them from my hospital was found that I was not capable of doing my work, that I could be redeployed! I have stated many times that had it not been for Covid I would still be at work today and the frustrating point being, is that I could be working from home right now! I have plausible reasons for working from home which would have a positive impact for my employer, but also I need to on other embarrassing medical grounds and if its my managers final decision, then I know she will say no. This is causing more anxiety which is not helping my conditions. There are days I use my crutches at work and there would be no way I could carry out these changes in my duties. I'm feeling like I'm being pushed out and they seem to forget that I have been working for two since last October as the other typist has been on long-term sickness and I've not had any help and just found out after just asking for help that I wo t be getting it! I am still waiting for the telephone consultation and if anyone has any feedback or advice it would be greatly appreciated. The other day I felt like jacking it in as I'm fed up of fighting, but I feel if I don't then I would not just be letting myself down, but the rest of the disabled community too. Sorry for the essay, its my 1st time on here xx
Replies
Good Morning & Welcome 😃😃
Please please don’t worry about the long post that is what we are all here for.
I’m one of a team of Community Champion’s here at Scope.
Yes I was in the same situation a few years ago now.
I worked for the NHS in Med Recs.
As I was unable to do any of my duties I had to take early retirement.
I was heart broken to be honest, but I knew this was killing me anyway.
Please please come back to me if you any further help/support??
@steve51
Yes it can be very difficult if your role changes.
I know this from personal experience.
Do you have a local CAB???
They world be the best place to start with.
If not please please come back to me!!!!
@steve51
Yes I did my role in med recs for over 10yrs.
But because my health deteriorated significantly over the years I was unable to work my role.
I had to take control of my departure to make sure things went very to plan.
Yes please check with CAB if you have any problems please come back to me.
Have a good day!!!!!
@steve51
Iys actually sad to think that I may end up going down this road to keep a job that I was perfectly happy and able in doing up until now. I expect I will learn more when I have the telephone consultation from an external occupational therapist they have triaged me too. I have asked if their findings are positive on my behalf, if I could use it in my application for flexible working at home? Thanks for the info and I'll keep you updated. Fingers crossed this gets resolved quickly and isn't dragged out. 🤞
Have you go s union rep or maybe get advice from ACAS
As for disabled rights this is covered in the equality act and you have the right to reasonable adjustments being put in place in order for you to remain working, there is some good info on here about reasonable adjustments.
The process usually starts with a referral to Occupational health for an assessment so they can recommend any adjustments
You have been given a lot of information to take in so if there are any further questions then please ask
Yes it's a definite information overload. I feel in limbo being at home and I am itching to get back. I'm still waiting for a telephone consultation from OH, so until then my hands are tied which is so frustrating. The only extra help I would need if I worked from home would be for someone to file my printing and log prescriptions and blood forms onto a spreadsheet, so it depends on whether they will budget for someone to do this. Thanks for taking the time to reply, it is certainly calming my nerves knowing that I am not on my own and there are people that understand what may not seem a big deal or effort to some people, can feel like climbing a mountain to others