Still having problems with work

[kjtibby]

Hi all.... for well over a month now I've been trying to get back to work with reduced hrs and some help with opening the disabled toilet door. Work have rung rings around me, firstly ignoring my GP, Neuro etc . They then demanded a letter from my GP which he has happily done. He was very honest with me from the start admitting he knew little about Ataxia but none the less has stood by me and listened to me. On my letter, he has written if work want more clarity on Ataxia then they should contact my neuro with my consent. As this has been going on so long now and causing nothng but distress, would I have to give consent, given they had an information pack from Ataxia UK plus a letter from Ataxia UK explaining exactly what my Ataxia is caused by. The thought of them dragging this on even further makes me feel physically sick and I don't think I can mentally hold out much longer. I told my partner I don't want to consent and he's happy to go with my decision but legally will this set me back if they reject me?

[wendygirl]

I am really shocked at the way they are treating you, sounds like a discrimination to me. I was in the same shoes as you April this year, they asked me to resign or they would dismiss me. I resigned as was so stressed like yourself that I couldn't see a way out, leaving was the best decision I have ever made after I asked for a medical payout! Only you can decide what it best. Keep us updated xx

[kjtibby in reply to wendygirl]

will do thank you

[sheild]

Get advice regarding constructive dismissal or similar, you do have rights in the workplace and with support should get something as a means of compensation.

[kjtibby]

thak you

[SueMillman Partner Ataxia UK]

Hi, I'm sorry that you are having all of these difficulties. Your situation is covered by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), which requires employers to make 'reasonable adjustments' to enable you to do your job. If they don't make them they could be considered to be discriminating against you on the basis of your disability. What can be contentious is the definition of 'reasonable' which will vary from workplace to workplace. You can find more information about the DDA here: http Helpline://acas.org.uk/index.aspx?arti.... There are a number of downloadable booklets explaining the DDA. ACAS also run a Helpline 0300 123 1100 to advise on these sorts of problems. It is available Monday 8am-8pm, Tuesday 8am-6pm, Wednesday to Friday 8am-8pm and Saturday 9am-1pm.

If they continue to refuse to do things that can be considered 'reasonable' and ultimately dismiss you, you could claim unfair dismissal on the grounds of disability discrimination at an Employment Tribunal, and you could be awarded significant compensation. However, in order for this to happen, you need to be seen to have done everything you can to help the employer to understand your situation. For this reason, my view is that it would help your case to let them write to your neurologist; and it could be seen as obstructive if you don't.

Do you belong to a Trade Union? If so, the union will have resources to help you.

I gather you've previously phoned our Helpline. Please don't hesitate to do so again if this continues. Best wishes Sue Millman

[kjtibby in reply to SueMillman]

i have had the pleasure of calling in the past yes. It was Sheila that sent me a pack for them and a detailed letter. Obviously i don't want to be obstructive just more concerned about time scale as i feel like i'm losing my mind. Many thanks for your advice

[Sharon_g in reply to SueMillman]

Hi Sue I am from south Africa would we also have such a act in place?

[SueMillman Partner Ataxia UK in reply to Sharon_g]

Hi Sharon, I'm sorry but Ataxia UK and I don't have experience of South Africa. A quick Google search has thrown up the an organisation called My Wage which seems to have a comprehensive website detailing the disability discrimination legislation which exists: mywage.co.za/main/decent-wo... I think you will find this page the most useful: mywage.co.za/main/decent-wo... - if you can't find what you need on their site I'm sure they could direct you towards someone who can tell you what you need to know. Best wishes Sue

[SueMillman Partner Ataxia UK]

Sorry, the Acas link in my last post was corrupted it is acas.org.uk/index.aspx?arti....

[february]

Dear Kjtibby, I must say, I admire your spirit to keep on working! I'm so sorry you're being treated this way, as the stress of it all certainly doesn't help your ataxia. I'm sorry I can't offer you any worthwhile advice, as I took a medical retirement ten years ago (my decision) due to my ataxia progressing. I just wanted you to know I'm thinking about you and hope all will work out! My best to you...,;o)

[kjtibby in reply to february]

thankyou. its nice to know people have our backs