return to work interview with HR and boss

[lulul]

I have been 'summoned' to a meeting to discuss my 'future' . I have been advised to take union representation with me but I am not part of a union. Should I be scared??!! I have 20 years experience working for the NHS and have been on sick leave since Nov last year.

[Hidden]

You can join the union and take someone with you - my daughter did this at her workplace when she had a health related absence review. I would also read up on your employment rights and speak to an advocacy service for disabled people - you can Google both and the NRAS Helpline should be able to give you some pointers too

You have rights and need representation to ensure that they're not trodden all over!

Cece x

[Hidden]

I agree with cece here. I think it needs to be understood by all concerned that RA is covered by DDA and as such you do have a bit of protection. Get in touch with a union (Unite are very good) and tell work that they need to reschedule the meeting to accomodate your union rep coming along.(which they have to do for you). Joining a union like this will give you help at meetings like this, but its only when you have been with them for 6 months or more will they pay and represent you in court. Good luck.

I have just returned to work after an absence and they gave me a return to work OH and HR appt, they couldnt do enough for me, which was surprising and such a relief I cant tell you. I half expected them to say bye bye as I am still in my probation (less then 6 months here) period.

Pet xx

[Hidden]

had one of these nhs meetings went alone but if any trouble arises im in the union.personnel seemed quite pleasant.. but said I Must be seen to fullfying all of my duties what ever that means!!

[lulul]

Providing they can alter my post I can manage. I used to work in the community but can longer get in and out of patient's houses,up and down stairs,lugging equipment etc. I could however manage a hospital based job with adaptions to my workstation and perhaps reduced number of patients etc.Do they have to provide a job suitable for me or can they get rid of me if I cannot do my old job?

[LavendarLady]

Hi everyone, under DDA and now the Equality legislation, your work place has to adjust to you not the other way round. Your employers wll need to put in place working practices to suit you provided they can be accommodated. The last resort is a medical retirement on health grounds but that is a long way down the road before that happens, and it would only be considered if it really was impossible for employers to accommodate your needs and it interfered with the day to day working of their business. I also had return to work interviews followed by assessments by ACOS which fortunately had a medically qualified assessor who was skilled with RA and did a very good report for me. If you are not a member of a Union, you are entitled to have another member of staff whom you trust, to be with you at the meeting and take notes. I did this (the meeting actually took place in my home) and my colleague kept a full note of the proceedings and sent a copy to me. As a result, I did a phased return to work on medical grounds over a 12 week period gradually increasing my hours although I eventually reduced my working week to 3 days rather than full time. Don't be afraid to ask questions at the interview and make sure your employers send you a written note of what was agreed between you. (My GP and Consultant also did reports for my employers of my capabilities which were very useful). Hope this helps. Good luck. LavendarLady

[Sheila_G]

Yes. Lavendar lady is right. Your employer has to make any adjustments in the workplace to make it easier for you to work. Good luck with it x