I’ve been off sick on 7 occasions in the last year, some for only a few days but others for sometimes weeks at a time.
These absences are all due to periods of severe fatigue, urine retention, bowel urgency and vertigo. I am now under investigation for a possible neurological condition seen as all other tests have been negative.
My manager called me at home today (I’ve been off sick for the last 6 weeks) to say she would be visiting me at home tomorrow to confirm what they intend to do about my absence going forward. I am already on what they term as a first formal attendance review and if they take it to the second stage then they can dismiss me if they feel I can no longer do my job. My manager has reitterated this point to me each time we have spoken and it is beginning to make me nervous that she keps mentioning it. I am now concerned that this is what she is going to tell me tomorrow and I have myself all worked up.
Surely they have to give me the chance of actually getting a diagnosis and possible treatment before deciding to get rid of me? or can they dismiss me on health grounds whilst I am under investigation?
They can’t sack you for being I’ll if you can do the job fine when well they can’t say you not fit to do the job they are putting themselves in a position where you could take them to a tribunal I wouldn’t worry to much x
Its a tricky one. First stop is to Know your rights.
CAB will be able to inform you of these and help you understand what your work rights are.
I was off work for a year before I was let go. However my employer was very good.
If you have a contract, look at what the policy is on sickness. It may be related to length of service.
Inform your employer of your issues and get your GP or Neuro to write a letter. Being up front and honest is a must.
Ask to see of you can change hours (I negotiated this before my sight went) it made a huge difference to me and enabled me to work for a period longer.
See if you can work from home. Again I did various non location dependent work from home. They may help you in that way as well.
As for your diagnosis, press your health care team to push it through based on the fact your work is at risk. It may be that they can get there finger out and get the answers you need faster.
I know the stress your going through as for a long time it seemed I was not performing, when in fact I was unable to perform and my role was very hands on and busy. However dialogue with my employer and the business I supported enabled me to work around my issues for a while.
Hi Anon. I’m so sorry you are going through this and I can truly empathise, having been through something similar myself.
If you are a member of a union, it is probably worth asking if someone can come along to represent you, even if the appointment has to be rearranged. It may also be worth doing a bit of reading on sites such as this:-
so that you know your rights under the disability equality act.
If your employer has called you several times while you have been off work they need to be very careful as this may be viewed as harassment.
My employers tried to bully me into resigning during my first long term absence but employers now have to tread very carefully so I hope it goes well for you and I will be thinking of you. If I can help in any way send me a ping.
For a start they can’t sack you while your signed off; so don’t rush back make sure your well.
Obviously they do not know the problems your having so my first suggestion is suggest to your Manager that your works doctor talks to your GP. Your GP should be advised to tell them of your problems.
I don’t know how disabled you are but the Law states a Disability
A person has a disability if s/he has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Disabled person
Someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
So if you adhere to what the Law say’s you come under the safeguards of the Equality Act which overrides any contract of employment/local agreement.
Having said this It is understandable why your manager is coming to see you. They do not know the situation and are treating the matter as a normal healthy person.
If you are in a Union contact them ; if not contact the EHRC who will put them right.
Stop worrying you will not get the push or should I say if; on the vauge chance they do; you have a clear cut case of unfair dismissal.