Sickness policy

[Pixxie]

Hi,

I have read with interest the many posts that people write, gleaning some really valuable info over the past few years since I discovered this fabulous site, thank you. So, now that I have a problem of my own, I'm turning to you lovely people for some advice.

I was diagnosed with RA four years ago, luckily for me the diagnosis was early on and after going through a myriad of treatments, it is sort of under control with Hydroxychloroquine, Lefluonomide, Naproxen and Amitriptyline. Also lots of rest and a wonderfully supportive husband.

I work for a local authority, they were happy to accommodate my request for a reduction in hours when I asked for it a couple of years ago, and they are okay with me taking time for hospital appointments (although I do usually take them on my days off)

Last September my bloods went a little awry and my Rhemy took me off the Lefluonomide for several months. Because of this, I was off sick on 3 occasions within a six month period, (although I was only off for 6 days in total). This has triggered my HR dept to monitor my sickness level and are insisting I only take one more period of sickness in the next six months. I have tried explaining RA doesn't work like that. I also pointed out that their own Occupational Health people have already said that I'm covered by the Equality Act 2010 as my RA counts as a disability. This always led to believe that all my time off sick due to RA would be counted as one sickness. (I've had a message from my union who agree that it should be counted as one sickness.)

I'm somewhat confused! I'm not the sort of person who takes time off work lightly, I have to be completely exhausted/in agony before I don't go to work . I wondered if any of you knowledgeable people had experienced anything similar? I intend to fight this, but I want to know I'm in the right before I start screaming and shouting!!

Thank you for your time.

[lornaisobel]

your- good luck union will know the legal position - I use to be a union rep - acas will also give you advice as will citizens advice - CAB

[3LittleBirds2]

Hi Pixxie, My employer has the same policy. Your union Rep is correct it should be counted as one sickness or if your absences are RA related the four periods in a year should not apply, it gets trickier if your absences are not RA related obviously! I think they're trying to scare you especially if you're not at absence trigger point...and then if it goes to Occupational Health you could allowed extra days because of your disability. I would get some expert advice or contact the NRAS helpline for further advice. Good Luck and don't let them get you down..obviously an employer can only put up with a certain amount of absence but you do have some protection 😊

[KayEP]

Yes you are right to fight this. I had to retire early due to RA and a very stressful job (which didn't help the RA). Your employers seem to be making your situation worse by piling on the stress with arguments about sick leave. Now living in France, and because I have an 'infection longue duree' and unable to work, I receive an invalidity pension.

[Matilda_1922]

Hi there

I've been told if I have any further sickness I will be given a written warning.

I had a week off in October and another week in February. Both were for RA related reasons.

I'm due to have ENT surgery tried to push for September but its booked for August.

I will seek advice from Occupation Health

I feel they are breaching the equality act

I just feel employers cause stress and exacerbate RA through the worry. I am not someone who takes time of sick but for the last couple of years I have had to.

I hope you win your fight.

[ruth_p]

You are completely right and should fight it. Get your union involved properly and have a meeting with HR and have the occupational health report with you as evidence. You could also contact occupational health again and let them know what is going on. Fight fight fight! Good luck 🙂

[Smerdon74]

I work for a government dept and I get my RA sick leave discounted! I also have a laptop though so I can work from home when I am physically unable to go into the office.

[Beverley-NRAS]

Hi everyone,

This is an interesting read:

tuc.org.uk/sites/default/fi...

Beverley (NRAS Helpline)