If you've read some of my previous posts about my employer, I'm having more hassle.
Okay so they've been okay about my reduced hours and I've been incredibly happy with working shorter shifts and it's done my pain & fatigue a world of good. But, I can't help but feel I'm being pushed into going back full time. They keep saying how a phased return isn't a permanent thing and I know that but I really feel I am not physically able yet to do a full weeks work which is 37.5 hours with 9/10 hour days. Right now I'm working 4/5 hours and that is plenty but this week will be the end of my phased return 2 weeks and I'm terrified to say I need another week.
So I've been doing fine with my shorter hours, haven't had a single day off since I started back. But, today, was the worst day in a while. My whole body ached and my pain was so intense it is making me physically ill. I had to call in sick this morning. So I called as soon as I was awake and left a voicemail only to find a message a few hours later from a colleague telling me one of the team leaders (the one I've previously had problems with) will call me. This is not my team leader and not the woman who I left the voicemail with. I feel like I'm being punished for being ill. It's not like I'm calling in sick with a cold, I have chronic pain!!
I am terrified of going in tomorrow and being ambushed.
I cannot lose my job over this, I can't afford for that to happen but I'm terrified it's going to.
I have no idea who is above our team leaders so I don't know who else I could speak to.
I'm terrified.
I have similar problems. Going back full time tomoro. Work for NHS and they are the most uncaring re management.
Do you have occupational health or a union? They shouldn't be phoning you while you are off sick as its just adding more stress.
Are you able to speak to your team lead and explain the pressure is making your symptoms worse? Xx
I'm not sure, I'm sure there will be a union but I don't think I'm part of it!
I have no idea how to ask to speak to someone higher?
I feel like they just don't care. They hate the fact I'm on morphine and I feel like they're just looking for any excuse to fire me
xxx
Hugs. First of all. Your health and recovery is THE most important thing. Try not to anticipate the worst, it's unlikely to happen.
Even if it did. Ultimately if they decide they want to fire you you can't stop them, so there is no point sweating about it. It's worth though keeping evidence of conversations etc to support an equality act discrimination claim if you were to be minded to.
The main thing is there is no point in letting yourself get anxious about it, it will just stress you out and aggravate your symptoms.
Don't be afraid to say you need a more gradual phased return, this is a positive thing returning which you can use in your defense. it's about ensuring that it is a success which of course both parties want.
And don't be intimidated by the wrong colleagues contacting you. It could be an innocent availability thing, ask why if definitely not innocent, you can flag that it seems inappropriate, due to history or heirarchy and if it's distressing ask it not to be done again. ( If they do, there is evidence for you)
Keeping the conversation fact based and outcome focused ( your successful return) should put you in a good position.
Thankyou for your comment.
I'm trying not to overthink and overanalyse the situation but that's just what I do!!
The main thing that is aggravating me is they knew full well my health when employing me, it was actually the woman who is giving me so much grief who done my interview so she knew full well.
I was naive about the recovery time needed for surgery and I admitted that to them but they way they treated me, it's like it's my fault.
I really feel like I ament ready to go back full time yet but I'm feeling very forced into doing so.
They keep telling me anther colleague who was off long term sick only had 2 days of phased return hours, it's like they're making me feel guilty? X
Keep calm and if you suspect they're trying to make you feel guilty, let it go right over your head. This colleague with the shorter phased return, did they have the same health issue? I doubt it...so the two situations are completely different... Mentally chuck it in the ignore bucket.
Gx
But you're right, I want to be in work!
I don't want days off but some times it's necessary but ultimately I do want to work! X