Hello,
I’m a practice nurse with PPMS. I’m managing well and currently on 6 monthly ocreluvus infusions.
Work are saying to everyone now for all hospital appointments we need to make time back or take annual leave. I’m wondering what everyone else has to do? I have 3 appointments a year for my MS. I’ve been reading and please correct me but is this allowed as I’ve read paid time off should under the equality act count as a reasonable adjustment as MS is a disability? Please help. X
Hi Lorna.
That does sound a bit harsh. Are you a member of a union through your work?
Jon.
Yes I am. Everything I read online says I shouldn’t have to make this time up or take annual leave for a disability
Your TU should be able to provide legal advice either directly or via your rep.
MS is one of a few conditions specifically named under the equality act of 2010 so at the very least you should be able to apply for a reasonable adjustment under the act to give you unpaid time off for treatment and medical appointments. Employers are not obliged to make adjustments they deem unreasonable, but I don’t think they would have a leg to stand on over that one.
I assume you’ve checked your own contract of employment to see what if anything it says about that. But the law take precedence over your contract terms anyway.
Hi Lorna. I’m certainly no expert in these matters but, I do believe that Alison’s advice is good 
I think your best step forward would be to arrange a meeting with your Union Rep’ - Some are better than others so, it may be good to take along a copy of your employment contract and a copy of the 2010 equality act.
Good luck and, best wishes x
Jon.