Fit note for reduced duties...

[maxine71]

I started a new job last July in a very well known supermarket, the role applied for was stock control, I chose it as I felt I would be physically able to do this job, however, they changed the shift patterns twice, and unfortunately I was unable to commit to the shift pattern, which was quite frustrating, they offered me another vacancy which was on bread and cakes, I wanted to leave my previous job so badly that I took the role.

I have endometriosis as well as fibro, I also have tendinitis in my shoulders and ankles. The job was/is so physical that I had to go back onto my painkillers at top dose everyday, the pain I feel is just unreal, but I’ve managed kind of with painkillers and just sheer determination. I worked almost everyday through December, having only two days off which included Xmas day, and I’ve just had two weeks holiday that I had to use before end of March, and the first week off I just crashed.

I’ve seen my doctor three times whilst off and have told him that doing this job flares up carpal tunnel, my shoulders, arthritis in hands and feet, my back pain from endo, allergens to bread and just general feeling unwell, he has written me a fit note asking that due to the job I am not coping physically(and mentally) and that they prioritise for me to move to checkouts (which I also am trained in and have no issues on)

I’m just so scared if I hand this note in that I’ll lose my job altogether, it’s so hard to explain so many symptoms rather than just one thing, I fear they’ll think it’s me just moaning or just a cop out, I don’t really tell anyone of my conditions, I try to get on with it as much as I can, but after four years out of such physical work (fours years ago I gave up hairdressing due to these illnesses and took an admin job) it’s so difficult going back into such a physical job.

I know I have the certificate from my doctor but it just doesn’t feel like it’s enough to justify a request to move departments.

Anyone else had a similar situation?

Thanks xx

[Afrohair]

It is justified if you can’t do you can’t do they can’t say anything as far as I’m aware they have to make reasonable adjustments can only fire you if you going on checkout is not suitable for the business but can’t see that happening I work in retail and only do sundays now and I’m allowed to sit down if needed

[GeorgiaMC in reply to Afrohair]

They can call in occupational health, as the adjustments have to be ‘reasonable’, and they need to prove they’ve supported her. This may include sending off to another location, finding a more suitable role or closure of contract. It depends how relaxed their policies are. OP, are you in a union? This may become handy to you. I don’t want to scare you but I’m having to take someone who works under me through this process at work (also a supermarket) because of their conditions. I really hope this doesn’t happen to you. Joining a union now could scare them off.

Also, I don’t think they can break a sick note. PM me if you want to know a bit more.

Keep us updated!

[Hidden]

I’ve not been in a similar situation personally. But, by the sounds of it, your health conditions are a disability which affect your ability to do certain work (thinking employment law terms here). Whether or not you declare a disability to your employer is neither here nor there, as it’s not mandated that you do. They must make reasonable accommodations; they can’t just fire you. Don’t feel scared. You’ve done nothing wrong.

[Crispy69 in reply to Hidden]

You’re spot on. If you have a long term condition that last more than 12 months employers legally must make reasonable adjustments under the Disability Act. I have endo and am working three days from home because I can’t drive due to medication. As long as the Fit Note is detailed and states the cause is Endo then the employer has to satisfy this poor lady’s request if it’s a reasonable adjustment.

[DaH1]

Poor you , you have so many things going on at once and it must be such a stressful time . Take each day at a time . It’s way too much to take all these things on your own .

[maxine71]

I’ve mentioned I have a fit note that asks for me to be moved to a less physically demanding role, and basically I’ve been told checkouts are no chance at the moment due to cut backs on hours in a similar dept, I’ve been offered dot.com but that will be 6am starts which won’t help me, so basically no help what so ever, I had expected a little more, I’m back to work for two days and already in much more pain, I feel if I actually hand over the fit note I’m just handing over a reason to get rid of me.

[maxine71 in reply to maxine71]

I should add that my manager just thought it was me grieving the loss of my dad, mother in law and sister in a matter of months, so kind of didn’t really listen to my illnesses and focused more on bereavement stuff, which is affects me of course but at the moment the job is my biggest concern