I have RRMS and for over two and a half years I have been working. In March two, out of the seven team members, were furloughed. After three weeks me and another colleague were furloughed and the original two brought back. The plan was to rotate for fairness. The government changed the rules so I was kept on furlough and still am. Yesterday we were all called to a video meeting where we were informed due to COVID business has dropped so they are getting rid of one persons role (the other one who had been on furlough) and then out of the five remaining one has to go. They said we will have to apply for our jobs .
Now I am not the newest member to the team there is one person who has only been on the team since March, I have been there one year and nine months. They say the interviews will be based on abilities and skills, so all good so far but they also said they have ring fenced two positions in another department should anyone not be successful. This other department is one I originally worked in and it was so stressful it made my MS so awful I had to apply for other positions within the company. The person who has least service on our team came from this department in March. My fear is that they will use this as an opportunity to move me back to an area I found so very stressful and mentally damaging all of which manifested in worse symptoms and no quality of life as I was exhausted after driving home I would collapse on the sofa or my bed. I just wondered if anyone else out there has been in a similar situation where they have had to apply for their own job. The people on the team know I have MS and don’t understand it. They see me being positive and I love helping people in my role over the phone and they just can’t marry the two. I need my job financially and mentally. I’m very grateful for any help and advice.
Mmm, I can see all this causing you a lot of anxiety.
Employers, by law, have to make reasonable adjustments, so a person with disability can work in a better/safer environment.
If you are forced back into the position, you used to have and it exacerbates your symptoms, maybe HR could get involved to help you.
Boudsx
Clover,
the employment situation in these strange times is pretty stressy all round. It must be a minefield for staff and employers alike. What I would like to say is “try not to worry” but I know how ridiculous that sounds and how angry I’d be if someone said that to me, so I will try to rephrase… I really hope that things work out for you, I can barely imagine how you must be feeling. Your employer must be very careful in how they treat you but in these exceptional times they have a lot of tough decisions to make. I hope you have access to good advice from a decent HR team or union rep. If not, try to speak with citizens advice as they will give impartial information.
Wishing you all the best.
mick
it’s the uncertainty that’s worrying.
As management is aware you have m.s. they will hopefully be aware that you are covered legally and can ask for reasonable adjustments to be made.
But don’t jump the gun - let management come to you with their proposals (maybe nothing will change for you.) If you’re not happy about these proposals then you may have to fight your corner.
Make sure you are genned up on your rights - and if you’re not happy seek legal advice - employment lawyers cost money but what no management wants is a claim for unfair dismissal or a claim because they haven’t taken your disability into account.
Let management know that you will take things further if don’tt hink they’re taking your m.s. into account.
Were your employers aware of your MS from the beginning?
Were your previous managers aware of the stress caused due to working in the previous dept?
If so and if you’re not successful with your current role then they should really not be pushing you to apply for a position which caused harm to your health.
Best thing to speak to HR immediately and advise your situation in the previous dept and that you so not wish to apply for that role IF you’re not successful in your current role
As far as I know its their duty to ensure that you do not suffer from undue stress whilst you’re working for them. They should know that MS is covered under the equality and disability act and legally they can’t tell you to apply for a role where you suffered anxiety and stress. Unfortunately managers and HR don’t know much about MS and the fact the illness is covered. Best to speak to HR or even your like manager first
Also I suggest you speak to an MS lawyer which you can do for free by calling MS Society helpline and say that you want to speak to a lawyer regarding employment issue that you are currently facing. I have used them a few times and they are really good