Unhelpful Work Manager

[paulcongleton]

Hi.

Had mitral valve repair done 16 weeks ago now OHS. Had a few initial issues post op and spent 5 days in I.C.U with a collapsed lung.

But my overall experience of my recovery wasn't to bad. The hospital/doctor signed me off work for 12 weeks.

Now i have 2 sources of income, one been employed as a printer (physical job) and a little part time job of my own doing as a gardener/landscaping (physical job). After 12 weeks i started to do both but the gardening side was no hard landscaping just weeding and mowing a few lawns etc.

However my works manager i feel been really unhelpful, questioning my stage return hours, which were/are recommended to me by the company doctor, telling me he's checked out my procedure online and i should be now 100% fit to work. To put the final nail in the coffin on Friday he told me i had 30 minutes for my break, instead of the allowed 20 minutes, which i dispute. Again even if i had 30 minutes in the company doctors back to work plan email advised to have extra breaks.

Been back to work for 4 weeks now and he's stressing me out, worked for the company for 23 years with no significant time off. Been to H/R and the health safety guy and to be fair to them they have been kind and supportive in my initial return to work.

Where do i take this now ? Do i just bop him on his nose lol

Any advise appreciated especially from any solicitors.

[10gingercats]

There are two posibilities to start with.The Citizens advice Bureau and/or to contact a solicitor experienced in work related issues for a free 5 mins chat . I have used this service a couple of times.CAB also have their own legal people but that could be a wait before you get to see someone. Do you have a union you can consult?Others on this site will no doubt respond soon .

[paulcongleton in reply to 10gingercats]

Hi.Thanks for your reply.

I am in the union yes, it all happened very quick on Friday and left me shell-shocked when it all happened. I will take it further this coming week. Its been on my mind all weekend and raised my blood pressure. All unnecessary stress at a time when you don't need it.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

Sounds like you have not got a very caring Manager there and to compare if you should have recovered by now by looking up how long it takes is disgusting have they not heard we are all different !

I would say keep leaving messages for your Union to get back to you if you have a good Union they will support and help you which hopefully will take some stress of you

I am not sure if finically or if they pay you while you are of sick but if while you get this sorted if you feel you need time of and your Doctor would give you a sick note then that could be something that would give you a little breathing space

I hope you get the Union on your side and show this Manager that the way he is performing is not acceptable

I feel for you especially as you have worked for them 23 years and now they treat you like this when you need their support which I hope you focus on getting

Let us know how you get on x

[Lezzers]

Hi Paul

I don't believe your manager has any legal right to question you about your health. Your company Dr & HR have agreed your hrs, work commitments etc, if your manager has a problem with this then he/she needs to take it up with HR, not with you. That can be seen as harassment & can in fact make your health worse!

Do you have house insurance that includes legal cover? If so, its worth giving them a phone call & they may be able to advise you on this as well.

Good luck, I hope you can get it sorted without further stress. Meanwhile, if it were me I think I'd tell the manager he/she is not to question you on your health as it is making you stressed & endangering your health!! It may be a good idea to log dates, times , questions asked etc & if necessary, send written letters about it to HR!

[LindaLittleBear in reply to Lezzers]

A very considered reply, I concur will everything you have said!