Getting grief from my employer

[Ziggydoodah]

I have worked in a small business for 10years. I have been very open about my condition from the time I was diagnosed 7 years ago. To be fair to my employers they have beenfairly decent regarding hospital appointments etc. They still expected me to do the job and more, without making any allowances for breaks etc. I work really hard and even go in early unpaid, so i get everything done. I have had to change one of my days as I get dialysis then. However yesterday,she tells me they have a wedding in a months time and I need to cover that shift.i said I cant i have dialysis. Then u need to change it or not have it that day ?? I said i don't think thats possible. She then accused me of not being flexible anymore. She has basically said need to work that shift or provide cover for it. Then later on I get a text saying I never did a couple of things at work,I was too busy and they knew it was a busy day. I am aware there are rules regarding employment while on dialysis but I cant believe my employers attitude. I work really hard trying not to let my illness affect my work or family life but I just feel as if i have been slapped across the face. Has anyone else experienced an unreasonable employer.the last thing I need is to be looking for another job that fits in with my dialysis sessions. I live in the UK.

[Bassetmommer]

Do you have labor laws that explain discrimination? Because you are being harassed and you could press legal sanction.

[Ziggydoodah in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thanks Bassetmommer. Yes we do have laws regarding discrimination. I have looked them up and read the advice given. I.was just really shocked at my employers attitude, when I wrote my post. They often acknowledge that I am a good worker and they would be lost without me. So I was more than shocked when I.was told i was not being flexible. I was just curious to see if other people had experienced discrimination. Thanks again for your prompt reply.

[WimWalther]

I'm very sorry to learn that you have such a cheap, short-sighted employer. In light of your illness, they should be very happy to retain your services at all during these times of record low unemployment.

New employees are hard to come by, much less those with 10yrs experience.

Talk to your dialysis center, see if an alternative schedule can be worked out. If not, your employer will just have to suck it up.

It's only one wedding shift, a month out. They have plenty of time to cover a single absence. Meanwhile, I'd think hard about shopping for a new job.. seriously.

[Ziggydoodah in reply to WimWalther]

Thank you so much for your reply. My employer has had issues getting new staff, so i was very upset when I was accused of not being flexible. I have asked the dialysis unit if I could change my day. They were horrified when I told them the reason. They have said they will see what they can do. I have been told it will be a one off and they will give my employer a letter, stating that under no circumstances has this to happen again. My dialysis nurse said its like asking a diabetic not to take their insulin. No decent individual, would ever do that. I think probably the issue is, I have been looking a lot better since dialysis. So perhaps they just think im getting back to "normal". Either way it is inexcusable. I have been looking at other jobs. They say you know when its time to leave a job and boy its time!! Thanks so much for replying to my post. Your reply gave me a badly needed boost. Thank you.

[alport45]

I'm so sorry you are going through this with your employer. I am a retired employment law attorney in the US. I just googled "disability discrimination UK and the page for gov.uk/rights-disabled-pers... came up. It's a page with lots of info about the law in the UK regarding disability discrimination. You might direct your employer to the part about "reasonable adjustments", which states in part,

"An employer has to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to avoid you being put at a disadvantage compared to non-disabled people in the workplace. For example, adjusting your working hours or providing you with a special piece of equipment to help you do the job."

In my experience, an employee gets farther if they tamp down their anger or outrage, however justified, in the first confrontation over an issue. Be calm and just show the employer the law, with a demeanor of problem solving. I hope that will result in the employer's understanding of their obligations so you don't have to leave your job of long standing.

If your attempts with your employer don't go well, you can always contact Equality Advisory Support Service, They have a YouTube video as well as Facebook and Twitter pages, all for claimants, who are seeking info about discrimination.

I wish you all the luck.

[Ziggydoodah in reply to alport45]

Thank you for taking the time to research the UK laws etc. It is very kind of you. I have been very calm in my approach to my employer (mainly because I was in shock and couldn't believe what I was hearing) I have looked into changing my dialysis but it will be the last time I will do this. I am also looking for another job. I really feel they have had 10 good years from me and its time to leave. Thank you once again for your detailed reply 🙏

[alport45]

I'm so glad to help you get info on your rights. Since you're likely to need adjustments to accommodate your dialysis or transplant in whatever workplace, the info can be a good resource if necessary. I wish you the best.