I just wanted support with dyslexia in order to do more job more effectively but I became vulnerable and victim of abuse

[Newyorkeyes]

I have been working in the Social and Care Sector since 2002, whilst not blowing my own trumpet have a proving track record of successful positive outcomes for work carried out in various organisation and individuals.

In 2011, I was TUPE'd over to other larger organisation provide support to vulnerable young people. Although I had been working in that field continuously for 5 years before TUPE due to identified strategies, my dyslexia had no real negative on my ability to carry out my duties effect it enhance the work I carried out (always thinking out of the box, creative vision/skills).

My new employers (2011), was made aware of my dyslexia from the first day I started work, where at the I saw no need for reasonable adjustment. By March 2012, my workload doubled with additional responsibilities (much more than my other colleagues), this also resulted in the increase in paperwork/ICT task with tight deadlines. By September 2012, I was totally burnt out, sleepless nights to try and keep up with paperwork tasks, managing two semi independent scheme, floating support duties and dealing with ongoing incidents (high risk young person, that was not suitable for my schemes but placed by senior management without my input). I was signed off from work suffering from Acute Stress Disorder for 30 day. On my return, I had no risk assessment or reasonable adjustment despite organisation being aware of the course of my sickness. I continue to ask for support with my dyslexia until I was finally assessed in February 2015 and recommendation shared in March 2015.

Between March to September 2015, whilst still waiting for recommending adjustments, I experienced discrimination, harassment and victimisation and additional workload by the ending of September 2015 I was a nerves rack and signed off on longterm sick, where the harassment continue throughout my grievance process resulting in me having to resign in June 2016 breakdown of comfort and trust.

I am currently going through Employment Tribunal final hearing in January 2020, it has been a long and draining journey but God has guided and carried me to be able to successful in defeating any obstacle the organisation solicitor has tried in order to try and throw out my case.

As you can image, the whole impact had a negative effect on my self worth, and confident in working for any type of organisation and only managed build self esteem and be successful in find a job as Teacher Assistant for SEND school which has helped me to realise how truly bless I am.

My Employment Tribunal hearing is 7 days, and I am having great difficulty trying to find a barrister or obtain legal aid at a reasonable cost, so would really be grateful if anyone has any suggestions as I know this will be a very emotional time for me facing the perpetrators again.

Apologises, for spelling, grammar and thank you for taking time to read.

[sandybrown]

I am retired now, I can see your issues. HR is a company is supposed to help Employee but it does not work always. No every one understand Dyslexia. In a Senior Leaders Team meeting, on stage there was a discussion on Dyslexia as one of the managers had it. After the meeting my emails to the manager did not give me any positive reply.

My Dyslexia helped me because I was left alone during on call to fix network problems, after few callous management realised that I can work on my own and I do not need any help, that was the turning point in my life.

Good luck in whatever you are tying to achieve.

[Newyorkeyes in reply to sandybrown]

Morning Sandybrown,

Thank you for taking time to read my post and sharing your own personal journey.

My experience, had a merger impact on my physical and mental well-being and although with time I have start to believe in myself is still comes with barriers of trust and isolation, maybe was the hearing is over everything will fall back into place.

Many thanks again.

[AuroraLGreen]

What area of the U.K is your tribunal? You said it is in 7 days but also that the hearing is Jan 2020..is it the preliminary hearing or the final hearing coming up?

I'm assuming you have tried direct access barristers as well?

[Newyorkeyes in reply to AuroraLGreen]

Good Morning AuroraLGreen,

Firstly, thank you for taking time out to read my post and apologises for any confusion caused.

What I was trying to say is my final hearing is in January 2020 and it is scheduled for a 7 days hearing.

I have tried direct access barrister but due to the length of hear quotes are very high.

Hope this makes much more sense and grateful for any other suggestions.

Many thanks.

[AuroraLGreen]

Have you prepared all the paperwork? Using direct access barrister for one of two parts of the prep of paperwork/case keeps it under £1K. Representing yourself is a huge amount of work, even a small bit of guidance to make the most of focusing your efforts balances the cost/time/risk.