I started my job almost a year ago. my probationary period had been extended up until today. However, from day 1 I have been faced with challenges after challenges. I was diagnosed with Dyslexia when I was at school, and I have learnt many coping strategies. However, these were ripped apart, along with my confidence. I had supervision at least once a week, where i was constantly criticised. there were 2 occasions 2 different supervisors even questioned if this was the career for me and suggested I change it.
I decided to see a private psychiatrist, who diagnosed me with ADHD. it was also around this point that my line manager went on a sabbatical, and one of the other supervisors stepped in.
I think as he was in a new team leader role, he probably wanted to tick all the boxes, meaning I wasn't able to express the barriers he was actively putting in place, that were stopping me from succeeding.
I constantly felt criticised, almost like I was in trouble at school, excluded from the team and just not supported in any way. This lead to a big breakdown in the work relationship, just being in the office / work environment was so uncomfortable for me, it felt so hostile, intimidating and embarassing,.
When I get stressed I experience severe migraines. a very vicious cycle formed where the stress actively being put on me, exacerbated by my ADHD and dyslexia, was physically making me unwell - and then as I was unwell I was getting in more trouble and stress at work, going round and round.
Also - I think it’s important to say It was not until the week of my final probation meeting that I finally received the reccomendations from access to work - reasonable adjustments. (So 9 months in post ans the exact time of my final probation hearing)
Having a hearing is honestly the most stressful thing, I had no understanding of policies or like the processes for things like this for even the equality act. I felt horrible - I felt I was being discriminated against. I couldn’t work out how the challenges I was facing was acceptable within the equality act.
But anyway the hearing panel decided to extend my probation by a additional 8 weeks, and set of expectations / reqiuiments for me to meet in that time. The main one being amount of sick days I take.
So here we are…. the panel decided to dismiss me due to my capability. However, I had demonstrated a clear improvement in my work and the requirements they set. BUTTT, during this 8 week peiopd I had experienced a migraine 2 more times then I was allowed. ( also I know it’s not relevant but in the past 8 weeks my mum abs uncle have been diagnosed with cancer and I’ve had 2 car crashes lol)
I was working myself in to the ground, trying not to get a migraine, be there for my family and clearly demonstrate my ability at work (working my self to the ground, to overcome obstacles that seemed to be hiding my ability from my managers).
My unison representative did attend this meeting, but he did not support me or represent me in any sort of way. The only time he spoke it was as if he was arguing against me - speaking to my line manager after the meeting he noted he saw the same. I asked for support prior to this hearing, but received a very dismissive email back basically saying there was nothing I can do. At the end his only comments were, think about what you want to do, ok to work in Tesco in the mean time, as I was on probation I dont have any rights.
I’m just so confused and really starting to doubt everything because it seems like everyone doesn’t agree.
What do I do now?!?!
Appeal?
Acas ?? - tribunal
Or am I mad - have I been treated fair?
Sorry for the absolute shambles of a post.
(P.S. I am an assistant psychologist in the NHS)