Work and COPD: My hr manager now know... - Lung Conditions C...

Lung Conditions Community Forum

56,325 members66,956 posts

Work and COPD

Georgeann468 profile image
6 Replies

My hr manager now know that I have COPD. Several years ago I cut my hours back to 31 hours based on a Doctors note. The Hr manager is new. He was having problems with this. So I felt compelled to tell him about my COPD. I know I can't get fired but he may look for reasons to get rid of me. I have an excellent attendance record and I have been at this company for ove 20 years. Should I retain an attorney?

Written by
Georgeann468 profile image
Georgeann468
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
6 Replies
leo60 profile image
leo60

Hi Georgeann! It's a bit tricky, as most of us are in the UK and have very little knowledge of your workplace laws. If it was I in your situation, I would be asking Citizens Advice (for advice!). Sorry I can't help, but good luck xx

BronchyBronwen profile image
BronchyBronwen in reply toleo60

Join an appropriate Trades Union. It gives you much greater protection. I would never work without being a member, personally. I believe this should apply in the States. Sorry if I've got that wrong. Good luck.

Bingo88 profile image
Bingo88

Surely the 20 years service should tell them you have been doing a good job and they can't discriminate against you on health grounds. Get some legal support and advice. Brian

Issy22 profile image
Issy22

Hi Georgeann468

Welcome to the forum.

I think employment law, is very similar in America, as it is in England. Your employer cannot just fire you. They need to go through certain processes and it depends on your job role and how your copd affects, you doing your job. As you say you have worked there for 20 years, if you are still capable to continue working, why would they dismiss a good employee.

Maybe your HR management was concerned so they can make future work adjustments for you to stay in your job.(flexible hours , parking space, better ventilation) .

Copd is classed as a disability in America and your employer has a duty of care to protect your wellbeing while at work.

Does your company have a union rep or an occupational health department, they might be able to advise.

I have a similar situation, feel free to read my posts, I have had some good advice from the forum. Hope you can continue in your job stress free.

Issy x

Georgeann468 profile image
Georgeann468 in reply toIssy22

Thank you for your comments. Very helpful. Only my HR Manager knows I have COPD. I am unsure about what he may do with that information as far as waiting for me to call our or not being able to do my job. I work 28 to 32 hours a week. Several years ago my Doctor wrote me a note to scale my hours back. This HR Manager who is relatively new did not like that. I felt compelled to tell him about my COPD. I wished I did not tell him. I am unsure if he may use that information against me somehow. Should I retain an attorney?

Issy22 profile image
Issy22 in reply toGeorgeann468

Hi could you not speak to him and ask him what hes intentions are with this new information. or if there is any reason why it should be a problem.

Maybe get a new updated letter from your doctor explaining you are fit to work but would prefer flexibility in your job due to your copd. If it gets any worse and it seems like they are going to try and terminate your contract , then yes I would get an attorney.

In this country we have solicitors who will give you advice on employment law. I Hope you won’t need to use them, but if you do you will have a case to take them to court for employment disability and discrimination rights.

Hopefully this will steer you in the right direction, Iam only suggesting these things due to experience. But do seek advice America may have different laws.

Good luck

Issy x

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Restructure at work & Moderate copd

I was diagnosed with copd in 2008 and it is now at a moderate stage. I will be 59 in May. I have...
Beatrix12 profile image

Copd

Hi I have just been diagnosed with mild copd but have been unwell since I have given up smoking but...
Smithy1966 profile image

Can i Get Benefits for COPD while working

Hi, i have been living with COPD for a number of years now and it is getting worse. I work three...
healthwoman profile image

COPD and Pneumonia

Hello. My mom has severe COPD and got out of the hospital last week after a 3 week stay for...
nyla668 profile image

COPD Questionable

Hi all, I would like your thoughts on an issue I have with COPD. My dad was diagnosed with COPD...
Julie9983 profile image

Moderation team

See all
AsthmaandLung profile image
AsthmaandLungAdministrator
moderator_AandLUK profile image
moderator_AandLUKAdministrator
Claire_ALUK profile image
Claire_ALUKAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.