Hi, I currently off work Classed as long term sick. I was off aug 11 intil jan 12 and then went back full timeuntil being signed off on 4 march with depression and work related stress. While at work I had several meetings with my managers which resulted in me crying and telling them I wasn’t coping. They still continued to give me extra work and threatened to reduce my salary I’d I didn’t do everything covered by my contract. I asked to reduce my hours and was then signed off bu my gp. Today I received a letter asking me to attend a 1st formal sickness meeting and when I called my manager to discuss it she said well we feel we are supporting you on everyday and new to discuss if you are able to fulfil your role any more. I them spoke to the inion and they advised I take someone with me, which I am going to. I’m just really worried now that they are going to try and sack me. I do want to go back I just want reduced hours to help me cope. I diagnosed at the moment with fibromyalgia. Could anyone offer some advice? Thanks
Hi Emma,
What is the definition of disability?
The Disability Discrimination Act says a disabled person is someone with a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Examples include cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and heart conditions; hearing or sight impairments, or a significant mobility difficulty; and mental health conditions or learning difficulties. People in these circumstances and some others (such as people with a facial disfigurement) are likely to have rights under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) to protect them from discrimination. However, only the courts can say if a particular individual is defined as disabled under the legislation.
The Equalities Act that supersedes the DDA gives further safeguards.
Your Union should be aware of this and I suggest you contact the EHRC tomorrow Phone: 0808 800 0082 who will answer all your questions and advise your Union.
Any return after long term sickness should be phased.
http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/legal-and-policy/
George