Work and COPD

[Georgeann468]

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?

[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 in reply to leo60]

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]

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]

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 in reply to Issy22]

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 in reply to Georgeann468]

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