Welfare Meeting

[Chelle_]

Happy New Year!!

So just before Christmas my line manager said she wanted to have a welfare chat - she and my other manager have decided that I need to change jobs (one that sees me stay in the same place, instead of driving around) they are concerned for my welfare!

They want me to take on a position which is nothing to do with the one I am doing right now - also it's only for the next 12 months and then I am going to be moving on to the next job when the girl going on Maternity leave is back.....

They have decided this because my call for transplant may not come for 12 months yes (I have been waiting for 14 months so far) so the job package I signed was for my salary & a company car....

I have never had a welfare meeting since being with the company - not even when I was listed. It was just a 'let us know if you need anything'

So besides being a little bit pissed off because I rather enjoy my job and the freedom it offers me to work at home, and I get to do a bit of travelling - I am now being shafted sideways into a job that is once again temp and not one I want to do all because I am 'ill' I work 37 - 40 hours a week....

I have this meeting tomorrow morning - I am a bit angry as you can probably a gauge from my email - so anyone have any cracking quotes/comments I can knock out and try and save my arse from being shifted or at least get myself a pay-rise to compensate the car being taken from me!

Hope your all well!

[Hidden]

Are you with a trade union Chelle? (sorry forget to wish you a happy New Year). I ask this as if management have asked to have a meeting with you, they should offer you the opportunity to have a union member present, or a personal friend. This is because some people my feel intimidated if there are more than one manager present.

[Paulio]

Yeh, what Richard64 said; Get someone in to attend the meeting with you if possible (pref. union or similar representative).

Best wishes!

[Millie09]

Happy new year chelle .. im sorry to hear about that hun

Surely they just can't do that to you if you are still coping fine on the job anyway, seems to me they are covering their own backs just incase you get the call.. so to speak. I would have been well annoyed and stood my ground with them .do you have a union back up support xx i ageee with the two comments from the gentlemen. You should have a representative with you x

[Jjp80]

Hi,

Happy new year!

As far as I’m aware a full consultation should take place that has been pre arranged ,and compensation should be made /offered if there is to be a change to any pay or benefits.

The TUC Are a good starting point for information and also list other unions. I always have been a member of one and from my experience well worth it

Good luck

[Chelle_]

Thanks for all the advice. I think it’s an informal chat even if the the head of HR is coming down.....I am going to record everything that’s said just because I don’t trust my mind to remember everything. I shall look into unions.

The thing is I have been on the TX list for 14 months and this will be the first welfare chat....surely this should be something done by occupational health?

Anyway nonetheless I shall let you know the outcome tomorrow - let’s hope I don’t cry too much (I tend to do this when I get angry) x

[Wendy57]

Right. Head up, shoulders back and be confident. You don't have to agree to anything they say. It is imperative that someone attends with you Chelle, or record the meeting. Do not defend yourself or your position in terms of your health. You have done nothing wrong. Listen to them, contact your trade union if you have one. If not seek legal advice. Sorry to rant but this sort of thing infuriates me. Good luck. Let us all know how you get on. Big Hug Chelle. Xx

[Kristian]

What has been said rings true. Your employer shouldn't really force anything on you and the first port of call should be occupational health to get an understanding of what they should do to help you with your condition. If its not usual for the head of HR to attend such meetings then i think having some representation with you may be beneficial.

However, having said that, it is worth working with your employer to have things in place for when you do get the call and to manage your return to work afterwards. Or, to make sure there is resilience in place to manage occasions when you are not able to be there because of ill health.

If they truly have your interests at heart and they would like you to take on another role, although they shouldn't really do that against your wishes unless there is an overriding need to do so, it should be with the same pay and conditions you are on now. I would suggest that includes the company car, but that may be pushing it and you may then also be taxed on it if you are no longer doing the mileage.

Employment law when it comes to ill health and its management can be quite tricky. Whilst they do have certain rights they also have certain duties to uphold too. As they do under the health and safety at Work act. I think an "approach with caution" is recommended. Hopefully it will be as you suspect, a case of "what can we do to help you?" type meeting.

[Chelle_]

So there were no tears and I recorded the whole meeting. I told them I was angry and that I feel I have been shafted a bit especially when I am doing well. But I think I made my points they seemed genuinely concerned that I drive a lot & wanted to do whatever they could to ensure I am happy and have made any and or all arrangements for me to carry out my job correctly and that I am being looked after ok.

Just have to wait and see what happens!

[Kristian in reply to Chelle_]

That was the type of response i was sort of hoping for. They have a duty to ensure that your job isn't going to add to your problems or affect your recovery and you can continue to do it safely, particularly if you drive on works business. As of course you do too.

Given that your condition is improving I would hope that no changes are necessary, unless they are beneficial to you of course :-).

[ETW1]

Contact occupational health and union and speak to hr. Good luck.

[19581979]

Contact acas.org.uk. They give employment advice to both employees and employers. You may also need a med cert from gp saying fit for work full-time and drive. This could make it hard to change your job. You also need to check your contract. Also equality act.

Sorry only just spotted your post.

Gx