Looking for advise

[Bolton-Lass]

I'm just wandering if someone can advise me I have copd and recently have had a number of flare ups, I had to have a meeting at work yesterday and been issues with a written warning, I will be speaking to my union but just wandered if anyone has had experience of something like this. Thanks

[Denae011]

Hi there can occ health not help you with this? I have severe asthma and had 2 long spells off work. I also had meeting and pointed out that it wasn’t by choice I have bad asthma and couldn’t help being off. I was referred to occ health and they were brilliant. I come under the disability act at work and won’t be warned again until I have 6 periods of illness and after that I will b referred to occ health again. I work in nhs. It’s stressful enough being ill and then having work on your back just adds to it all. I never went to union about meeting. If it happens again I will though. Good luck

[Bolton-Lass in reply to Denae011]

Thank you of your advise, I have been referred to OH so will see how it goes

[CDPO16]

Members on this forum are great but given that you say you have COPD you might get more help if you post this on the British Lung Foundation forum where I think some members have had similar problems. Best wishes.

[Poobah]

Definitely speak to your union rep. You will be covered by the Equality Act 2010 by virtue of the COPD which means that you're employer should be making reasonable adjustments at work.

The employer will need to consult an occupational health specialist as to the most relevant and reasonable adjustments. These can take the form of a more sick absences before taking action. Allowing working from home if possible to help your attendance.

Basically the adjustments should be specific and help you stay in work.

If the employer doesn't have access to occupational health services then Google Access to Work as this is a Government service for people with disabilities who are in your situation.

COPD is a disability as it is a substantial, long term condition, therefore covered by the Equality Act.

The employer is legally bound to make reasonable adjustments that help you remain in work.

Good luck.

[Bolton-Lass in reply to Poobah]

Thank you for your reply, shall definently be taking your advise

[racercblair]

I have a meeting at work this week, and have been to OH, but my manager has not made any allowances. My union rep is coming with me

[Bolton-Lass in reply to racercblair]

I'm very sorry you are being put through this, I hope it all works out for you

[racercblair in reply to Bolton-Lass]

Thank you

[Bolton-Lass in reply to Bolton-Lass]

Please let me know how you get on, this is not right how people are being treated xx