HF and ability to do job

[Badger15]

My son was diagnosed with acute HF with EF of 25%. He’s back to work this week on limited duties but is worried about his ability to do the job. His job entails carrying/lifting, high temp (oven) areas and climbing high chimneys (environmental emissions testing). The low BP due to meds resulted in a dizzy spell today and he’s now fearful that he’ll lose his job if he lets the boss know! The only way he could continue at work is if the employer is prepared to “cherry pick” suitable jobs for him but he thinks that’s an unrealistic ask. Any advice welcome?

[Tos92]

I’m sorry to hear about what your son is going through. Has he thought about the prospect of possibly giving up his job and looking into claiming benefits such as PIP? This might be the safest option for him. By law, his employer should make certain adjustments for him based on his health however, these adjustments may still not be suitable if he works in an industry which is highly, physically demanding.

Alternatively, he could look for a job which is less intensive and physically demanding.

I hope others come by with suggestions.

All the best to you & your son.

Tos

[Badger15 in reply to Tos92]

Thank you for your response.

[Lowerfield_no_more]

Your son and his employer are both covered by the Equalities Act 2010 which is intended to prevent discrimination in the workplace by ensuring that employers take reasonable steps to offer alternative roles to employees should their circumstances change, which means they cannot fulfil their duties under their contract of employment. However there is no definition of 'reasonable', although some employers may be able to easily fulfil their legal responsibility e.g. a large company, whereas others may not e.g a small builder. And if the employer has taken all reasonable steps, legally they can dismiss the employee, although they may need to demonstrate that in an employment tribunal. So your son should ask for an occupational assessment of his ability to do the job, and his employer should respect the outcome. If that is not available his GP should provide a professional view on his capability. If your son feels he is being pushed out he should keep a diary of all significant events, since that might be important should it ever get to a tribunal. and if he is in a union get the rep involved, especially at formal meetings.

[Heyjude31 in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Great advice!👏

[Badger15 in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Thank you for your response.

[DWizza]

Has he considered going back to GP/Consultant to discuss the meds that cause the dizzy spells with a view to reduction/change of meds?

I was discharged from hospital in August following Nstemi heart attack, quadruple bypass and found I was having dizzy spells/spaced out and the cause was one of my meds. Consultant agreed that it was the cause and reduced it. I have since had it tweaked again with further discussion and monitoring of Blood Pressure. Just a thought as the other suggestions seems a bit severe at this early stage of his return to work.

[Badger15 in reply to DWizza]

Thank you for your response.

[Fullofheart]

Sounds like he needs 2 sets of good advice.1. Medical. 2. Employment rights.

The gp bhf will be helpful for the former if gp or cardiology not forthcoming. Has he got union representation and/ or access citizens advice for the latter?

It doesn't sound like a sustainable role for him given his health status so the third option might be sound career advice about retraining or taking time out with financial support. Employ Ability maybe?

Wishing you and your son all the best. Its tricky balancing health and employment...I know from experience...and (sadly) its highly inequitable.

[Badger15 in reply to Fullofheart]

Thank you for your reply - he doesn’t get sick pay so is there any government funding for job search/employability?

[Fullofheart in reply to Badger15]

You'd have to get advice from them. They will be able to look at all the options based on his situation. I don't know what he is entitled to but there will be some form of benefit is he's not receiving sick pay.

[Qualipop]

Dizzy spells and such a low EF and climbing chimneys, let alone carrying heavy weights, sounds terribly dangerous to me. I don't think he has any choice but to talk to his employer

[Badger15 in reply to Qualipop]

Thank you for your response.