Working from home

[Lillypop1]

Hi, I am new to this group but have RA since 2008. Looking for some advice about working from home please. My employer won't help with supplying a suitable chair but expects me to work some days from home. I struggle with stiffness and mobility but my employer is unsympathetic. Any advice would be grateful please. Thank you

[KittyJ]

My employer did an assessment and supplied any necessary equipment. This link might help you.

acas.org.uk/working-from-home

[Lillypop1 in reply to KittyJ]

Thank you

[allanah]

Are you in a union . If not join one and get their advice I think x

[Lolabridge]

Hi Lillypop. You could try phoning NRAS and asking for their advice. They will probably have already had to look into this for someone. Good luck.

[Lillypop1 in reply to Lolabridge]

Thank you

[Sally1965]

Access to Work is a Government scheme to work with employers to make work easier for you - I think it depends on the size of the firm whether or not the firm can claim back all or some of the costs. And any equipment provided under this scheme is specifically for you so if you change workplace you take it with you - they have no right to keep it I was told. So if you need an appropriate chair to work from home then I would hope with Covid19 that means you get to use it at home. Definitely worth contacting them (I was about to get a shaped keyboard & special mouse when I ended up giving up work before i had organised it)

gov.uk/access-to-work

[Lillypop1 in reply to Sally1965]

Thank you

[Lillypop1]

Thank you

[Eiram50]

Have you tried Access to work? They can help with work station assessments ( wherever this may be at the minute) as well as chairs etc.

I hope you get something sorted, and soon x

[Eiram50]

Also, you will be covered under disability legislation and therefore your employer will have a duty of care. Have you / can you asked to be referred to occupational health? They can advise your employer with regards “reasonable adjustments”- of which, if working from home, I’d consider an appropriate chair and work station, to be.

Good luck xx

[Lillypop1 in reply to Eiram50]

I'm not sure if I am classified as disabled, how does that work? I have a long term heath condition which affects my ability to work full time but I don't claim any benefits. I think I should be under that category but my HR manager is useless.

[Hessie5]

Hope you got this sorted - they should help or at least contribute - some of these employers can be pretty harsh. Although my daughter's company the gave them money towards chairs £250, the chap went out and put in a claim for £800! But you have a genuine need. Do share your outcome. ☺️

[AgedCrone]

By law your employer should provide suitable equipment at your place of work....if the chair that you use when you are working in your office is suitable ...maybe your boss could have that chair delivered to your home?

I don’t know if employers are expected to supply furniture in private homes if their employees are working at home. Maybe ask your rheumy nurse to put you in touch with an occupational therapist I would think they will know the position right now.