Employment issues - continues

Hi,

I haven't written for a while as my employment issues have taken on a life of their own. My RA has meant I can't travel very far for work but my managers thought otherwise, until an Occupational Health Report supported me. They then made my working life awful, for months, at every opportunity. My confidence became crushed and I became depressed.

I lost out financially as a result, so had to try to recoup my losses, once I felt strong enough.

I failed to get anywhere with my management with regards the internal grievance procedures, probably because the HR advice they were being told was far from accurate with regards the Equality Act obligations in respect of disability.

I failed in my request for Injury Leave, mostly because my management statement was not supportive.

I also failed to secure any legal help from my union and even their arguments for not getting involved were also incorrect, unfortunately.

So I have found that, even though the Equality Act came into force in 2010, very few people still don't realise the full extent of its protection for disabled employees. And I hate to label myself as disabled, because I'm still able to do so much!

This left me with no choice but to raise a claim of discrimination with the Employment Tribunal. It took me two full weeks (and some) to draft up all the paperwork but, thankfully, a few days later I received confirmation that my claim has been accepted and I've been invited to a preliminary hearing in December 19.

Along with this letter came a significant amount of reading and my "to do" list grew significantly, and still hasn't gone down much. What have I taken on!

This is where I'd like to reach out to anyone who might be able to help me with the next stage in the ET process. I need to prepare for the Preliminary Hearing but am not that sure what will be expected of me, having no legal background. I will be representing myself, so need to get on top of this soon.

Does anyone have this kind of experience and, if so, do you have any pointers as to what to do in advance? I'm concerned that my claim might be thrown out at this stage because I'm not prepared enough for what's to come. I don't need legal advice but any hints and tips would be extremely welcome.

Many thanks as always.

Linda

[Hidden]

citizensadvice.org.uk/work/...

[Hidden]

gov.uk/get-help-with-court-...

Hidden I know more reading Linda but worth looking at if not done so already.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Deeb,

Many thanks - I'll take a look.

L

[BoneyC]

The ET should guide you, is there any booklet or online advice available from them?

gov.uk/courts-tribunals/emp...

Have you prepared your Witness Statement which you will have to read out in front of the panel and your opponent and the panel and your employer will both cross examine you on it, i.e. tease out fine details.

I went to ET in 2000 under the DDA (as it was then) and won. Good luck.

[Ali_H]

dls.org.uk/

Might help with advice for you.

Ali

[Recorder500L]

Have a look on Amazon to see if they have any books that will help you. I found an excellent book when going to a tribunal for PIP. It helped me write my appeal in 'court speech', what to do and what not to do. Take Care.

[Hobbits]

I’m from Canada and obviously don’t have any advice on your situation. I do however want to wish you best and all the success with this, too many employers are unknowledgeable bullies!

[Lupymo]

Do you have legal cover through your house insurance? If so, raise a claim and let a solicitor do the leg work