Hi everyone,
I am 3 weeks into a 6 week phased return to work after my heart attack in May 23.
I am doing catch up training only, presently, but the thought of dealing with angry customers, is worrying me.
GTN spray getting belted and that’s before taking any calls.
I don’t want to jack it in. Do you think a possible role change is something that my employer would consider via OH?
Thank you so very much for any advice or guidance.
have a look at citizens advice bureau website for starters
thank you.
You and your employer are both covered by the UK's Equality Act 2010 which means an employer must take reasonable steps to accommodate an employee's change in certain circumstances (typically when they are recovering from, or long term affected by, a serious illness) where they are unable to fulfil their duties under their contract of employment . 'Reasonable' is not precisely defined and will vary from case to case. In practice it means that large companies may be able to accommodate an employee whereas a small employer may not be able to do this especially long term, but the latter may still be within the law. If you believe you are not yet up to doing your job you should ask for a fitness to work assessment which will bring clarity for you and your employer to ensure that you return to full duties in the best possible way.
Very grateful to you for your time and advice.
Hi, When I returned to work after my heart attack, I arranged a one to one with my manager specifying certain roles in which I didn't feel conformable in Performing. He didn't have any issues with it, you'll find many large companies will accommodate your request, hopefully you'll achieve a positive outcome all the best with your recovery.
I was due to return to work yesterday after suffering HA end of July, although my head needs to get back I didn’t feel I was ready to deal with the stress of it all and hope to plan a phased return like yourself in January..
As far as I understand we would fall under the equalities act and your employer had a duty to make reasonable adjustments to allow you to continue working which coukd mean a different role if available and you being suitable for the role.
Interested to know if you were having to use your GTN spray before you returned to work.
Hi,
I feel your anxiety, I'm off at the moment for 6 weeks due to HA and work in a very stressful job and am thinking do I want this when I return, will it make me feel worse, should I press reset and start something new and rewarding given what has happened to me.
Your employer should do everything that they legally are obliged to in order to get you on your feet again.
I'm not a expert in the legal aspects of these things so don't know where the legal obligation ends.
I would really have a honest ,persistent conversation with your manager now whilst they are phasing you in ( to make it formally noted as part of the phased to work process) about your concerns and impacts the job could have on your health and see where the conversation leads.
I wish you the best and absolutely understand where you are coming from.
It very much looks like your concerns are about customers rather than your role within the company. I would definitely speak with your employer about a position which may be separated from customers, if one is available. We are at work for a large percentage of our waking hours and it is important to be happy otherwise you can quickly become depressed, with all the problems that brings, not just for yourself, but for your employer as well.
When I had my HA I was thankfully self-employed and all my clients were very understanding. I was back behind my desk a week after my HA as I couldn't let projects slip, but had no issues and I never needed the GTN spray.
The feeling your experiencing is normal.
What helped me was heading in a few weeks before I was due to get back (with a tin of biscuits!) to get the “how are you, so lovely to see you etc” so all the sympathy was done and dusted.
Then when I returned properly it was like normal, my colleagues reactions I think were as much concern as my job, removing one concern to me was beneficial.
Hi short answer yes your employer legally obliged to make reasonable adjustments. Take a look through the Acas Website it's full of very helpful advice and information you can provide to your employer if they try to be difficult or they are not sure either. (Before my husbands stroke June 21 we ran our own accountancy firm) but hubby was the qualified one but due to stroke he's been left with permanent disabilities. (Brain injury, right-side Paralysed and Apraxia of Speech and global aphasia). And we use to deal with the HR for a private school
Although it was 13 years ago I had 12 weeks off work following my HA, which is all my company paid before it reverted to SSP. I had a meeting with the company medical officer where my options were discussed, I was offered light duties within the supermarket, reduced hours or return to my original job as a Baker, as i have always been a baker as was my Father and Grandfather before me, i decided to bite the bullet and go back to my original job and hours. Bakery is quite a heavy lifting and physical job but apart from being a little more tired than before and the ladies in the bakery clucking around me like Mother hens I managed to complete another 6+ years before retirement on the day of my 65th birthday.
What I am trying to say is be positive and you will be surprised what you can achieve post HA, its not the end of your life its just the beginning of a new phase!
Phased return to work - bit disappointed 
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