Issues Working from Home

[tracysmilieANU]

I have had Lupus over 20+ years and worked for this company 20+ years as well. We all worked at home due to the Pandemic, during this time I had Covid and was hospitalized, then I was working at home. I tried to go back to work for a 5 day week, it was killing me every day joint pains-, breathing problems, migraines, feeling stressed.

Went through OC, one of the suggestions was to work at home for at least 2 days. Which the ignored and now they are saying I cannot work at home for the role you have to be in the office 5 days a week, even though I have been working at home over 1 year and through the pandemic.

I need some advice. I was thinking of phoning and joining a union. I have SLE Lupus.

Looking forward to any responses.

Tracy

[Star13]

if you have the opportunity to join a Union then go for it.

In the meantime don’t go to any meetings without a companion or adviser and someone to take notes. Get everything in writing. Ask for the exact reasons why they “suddenly” have decided that the job must be done at the company and not from home when you have done it satisfactorily for all this time. Ask what they are changing in your job description and if they say nothing then you can argue that nothing has changed. If they introduce new elements to your job description then you will have arguments to negotiate why they have been added without consulting you because technically they have changed your job description without negotiation .

Remember the company should make reasonable adjustments and the fact that they have and now want to stop them will, if this all goes pear shaped and you have to take them to tribunal for constructive dismissal - not go well for them. I suspect they are just trying to bully you at the moment but if you calmly stand your ground and are reasonable about going into the office occasionally, then you should be successful.

[MonicaT]

I concur everything star 13 has said. The law is on your side. You need a union or someone who can support you workwise. They are so so wrong. Get as much advice as you can and be strong. Best of luck xxx

[Jerg]

I had the same issue at work after working with this organisation for over 20 years just before Covid started, my boss said no I had to be in the office. So I cut my hours to part time 20 hours as it was too much for me. However during Covid we all had to work from home which I highlighted to him. Luckily for me we were able to choose to continue working from home permanently and go into work once a while if I can. I am a member of Unison union who was very helpful in making this happen also work OC and my consultant.

Speak to your GP and see if they can help.

[Hidden]

taking a companion is an excellent idea and shows them you mean business . Never be rushed into meetings or decisions, always state that you need time to consider what’s been said or what’s happened, get everything in writing and respond similarly. Use recorded post if necessary and point out the postal strike! I think you can check somewhere if this company or organisation has a history of tribunals/constructive dismissal cases. They may try to settle with a puny financial offer so decide what you are aiming for at the outset and stand your ground. Good luck.

[avionne]

i am in same position my oc recommended for me to work from home for 2 days a week as of feb this year as i was hospitalised due to kidney sepsis. my company has refused and i am struggling. I'm sorry to hear you are going through this x

[SurferGuy]

Tracy, Avionne, you've both been given some top advice and exactly what is have advised. I'd also add asking your employer for a DSE Assessment and from the findings from there, if needed, an occupational health assessment. This will advise your employer of your requirements in relation to your health and safety and you role. Is they still refuse to make reasonable adjustments, these documents will be crucial if you wish to take it further.