Suspected endometriosis and the workplace

[BadgerBandit]

Hi all - looking for some tips/help in a difficult situation involving work. (UK)

- Started a job and was told remote working was fine (great for me because I have been on an endo/PCOS diagnosis journey for a decade). Employer did a 'u-turn' on remote working and insisted it was based on abuse by one employee (which pre-dated their agreement to me working remotely, so that makes no sense...)

- No HR (male owner is 'HR'). Told him about my 'issues' broadly (endo, PCOS suspected) and he was amenable to it until I actually needed to work remotely - citing 'other people will ask why I get special treatment'. I had a 'breakdown' in work in front of him where I went into humiliating detail about how it affects me (public accidents, bowel issues, incredible pain). He then said it was fine, and he would 'tell people where to go' if they asked. Then I had a 'flare up' and needed a week of remote working - and again he 'u-turned' telling me it wasn't acceptable and 'people would ask why I get special treatment'. It seems he pays lip service until I actually need help, then changes his mind.

- Firstly, I am 100% planning on leaving because fuck being treated like that. If you don't trust people, don't hire them, and what the fuck kind of situation is not believing someone who has told you they bleed through their clothes in public? But, until that time:

- I am being asked for a 'medical report' about my condition. My doctor has advised they 'don't write reports' and all they can do with a note is say I am being investigated.

- I am also being quizzed on what my doctor has said (including whether I have been referred to specific departments/what tests I am undergoing).

- I am actively being encouraged to 'go private' to speed things along (paying for it myself).

What can I do? I'm scared I'm going to get in trouble/lose my job.

[Moon_maiden]

Hi

Sorry you’re experiencing this abuse, please do show him my post if you want. I think it’s horrible the way he keeps backtracking and maybe also speak to ACAS, it’s a free service and they can intervene between employees and employers, they do tribunals etc., but can help mediate and give you advice. Make sure you go on the right website as there are private companies that pretend to be ACAS.

Go to the Endo UK site they have some great info on working with Endo and stuff you can print that employers can take on board.

Endo is in the top twenty NHS most painful conditions.

Your GP can write a fit note to make reasonable adjustments at work and all your symptoms can be included. Write something out that you’d like included in the fit note.

Endo and a completely underestimated as to how badly it effects us by both men and women. It’s the effects that can be covered by disability not the disease, unfortunately.

Going private can get quicker answers but is pricey. I went private but more so I could choose who I saw.

Good luck 🤞 let us know how you get on

[Endofitall in reply to Moon_maiden]

Second that GP can write a fit note. They can say gynae condition in first box and they say the adjustments you need in second box eg remote working.

You don’t need to tell them any detail about your condition it’s your private business. If they want more they have to do it via occupational health doctor. The company itself should not receive details for your health without it going via an independent party Ie occu health who are bound to same confidentiality rules as any dr.

So sorry you have to deal with this.

[Chronic21]

Hi been in this situation. Best thing to do is know your rights.

ACAS and citizens advice as well as endo uk all good go tos.

Get your gp to get a referal to gynae asap. On endo uk there is a diagnosis pain diary type thing fill it out and take it with you.

Your employer has 0 rights to knowledge of medical treatments etc. If they do ask this you can easily ask for a work place medical assessment. If you ask for time off state it is for medical purposes show a doctor note of the appointment time that is all ypu are legally required to show.

A work place has a duty under the law to make reasonable adjustments, if all you do in the office can be done at home then, working from home can be seen as a reasonable adjustment for specific periods.

Get everything documented... after every meeting write a summary email and send it to them and 1 other person eg 1 hr and 1 line manager. ALWAYS HAVE A PAPER TRAIL!!! This covers you.

If you have a union contact them.

Legally they can't fire you for medical but they can make it pretty unbearable to the point you resign - that's what happened to me I was in your situation a year ago. Everything you do will be under watch.

But yh your next step really are as follows

Gynae referal - they can help with getting a letter for your employer.

Work place health assessment - this covers your back and there's.

If you have a diagnosis for any life long condition you can apply for ESA/pip/WPA etc from the gov via a job centre etc

Call your union, citizens advice, endo uk and ACAS.

Gp note - letter to list what adjustment they would recommend due to current symptoms. It is better when I comes from the hospital.

Be aware - fit notes are sick notes and if you hand it into your employer they can send you home until the last date on the note and not allow you to return til that date. If your not entitled to company sick pay you will be put on ssp which is not alot.

There are other jobs but it's difficult right now especially, keep your chin up.

[Endofitall in reply to Chronic21]

Great advice here. Remember also that GP may say they don’t do letters but what they often mean is they don’t provide free as part of NHS service but they would do as a private fee letter.