i have Lymphoedema in both legs,im reguly having time off work and worried ill end up getting the sack ,any idear on what are my rights

[szkoda1922]

Lymphoedema isnt reconized at work,im sitting down all day and have arranged to get up walk about every so often which has not happened there for making my condition worse

[syrup01]

I work in the public sector and my lymphoedema covers me under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). I would be amazed if you were not covered by the Act as well, take it up with yoour HR, after you have familiarised yourself with the Act

[gavinlwright]

If you phone acas they can offer very good advice or look them up on the internet.

I believe you can't be discriminated against for illness but you may need to ensure that you are fit to work, your employer may be able to find a more suitable position for you, it is always best to discuss it with them first. If you are a memeber of a union they will also be able to help.

[norberte]

hi szkoda

if you meet the legal definition of disabled - that your lymphoedema has a substantial effect on your ability to carry out everyday tasks - then you're covered under the equality act (which includes what was the disability discrimination act) & your employer has a duty to make 'reasonable adjustments' to help you do your work

getting up & walking round the office would be a very good example of that

but i agree - get good advice from your union, a local law centre or from all the info there is on the web

acas is here: acas.org.uk/index.aspx?arti...

& there's also some info on the gov website here: gov.uk/discrimination-your-...

come back & let us know how you get on

[Sundance]

Sorry that there is such a time lapse between you asking your question and me responding. I have only just seen it. I to have Lymphodema in both legs. My employer knew my condition when I started work. It was suggested by a friend and fellow sufferer that I ask for a footstool so that I could sit in more comfort behind my desk. I work in the public sector, in an admin role in a school. I contacted HR trying to see if I could get any financial help for work to fund the footstool and as a result was referred to Health and Safety who sent someone to access my work station ergonomically. As a result of this I was supplied with a footstool, a better chair that supports my spine when you sit with your feet up, and other things to maintain good posture. Far more than I ever expected. There was an article in the last LSN magazine that looked at what employers need to do. I also am able to get up and move about when ever I need to. This is a disability not just an illness.

[jinger]

Hi szkoda1922. You may be eligible for an Access To Work workplace assessment done by the DWP. I arranged to have one done a few months into my job as my employers were reluctant to look into getting me a better office chair and leg rest. A foot rest is not usually sufficient. The workplace assessment is free and you receive a report which will detail what the assessor deems suitable for your lymphoedema. Depending on the size of the company, you may qualify for a full or partial grant towards the new equipment. Unfortunately I work for a large local authority and my employer was required to fund all new equipment. You don't have to use the recommended supplier they suggest. I went googling once I got the report and found the equipment I needed online at a fraction of the price which my employer was happy about. I now have a corner desk, leg rest and a more supportive chair and I can get up and about whenever I want. The link to the Access to Work and the workplace assessment info is gov.uk/access-to-work