Equality act

[margiebell4]

I have posted this question before,but I need to be sure of my facts because I'm having problems at work. Does anyone know if PMR comes under the Equality Act?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi margibell4,

From your previous post the answer would appear to be be yes. But, and there's always a but, although the act covers "some auto immune disorders" and quotes Lupus as an example neither GCA nor PMR are specifically named. It does have to be long term (yes) and significantly impacts on day to day living (certainly pre diagnosis, but once your Pred is working - open to question). That's maybe where your problem lies?

Have you completed any paperwork to be assessed? If not, then suggest that is your next move - if your OH section is not helping - is that why you've asked again?

Just for your info - under the so-called equivalent process for retirees to the original Disabilty Act (now replaced by the Equality Act) my submission, despite loss of right eye etc through GCA was dismissed - involved money of course!

Do hope you can get something sorted.

[piglette]

Hi Margie,

The Equality Act says you are disabled if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a 'substantial' and 'long-term' negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities. I believe it is not law in Northern Ireland. What did your employer say why they do not think it applies in your case?

[margiebell4 in reply to piglette]

Thanks for your replies. I work in a smallish school and they don't have a clue. They're being awkward about my contract because I requested to reduce my hours when I was diagnosed 2 years ago. I thought if I could tell them that PMR it would make them realise that it's a difficult condition to deal with. Maybe I need to make more fuss and have time off, but I just get on quietly so people tend not to know that it impacts on my life.

[piglette in reply to margiebell4]

Dear Margie, I can understand the problem. I assume they are not really into HR as they are small and find it difficult to be flexible. I can understand you don't want to rock the boat too much, which may antagonise them. Have you talked to Citizens' Advice? They may be able to give advice, as it may be that the school is acting illegally.

[margiebell4 in reply to piglette]

Thanks, I might contact my union.

[piglette in reply to margiebell4]

That is fantastic if you are a member of a union.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to margiebell4]

Yes, I think we all do that. But in the long run it invariably works against us. As it's a small school then I guess they find it more difficult to get cover, but that's not really any reason for you to suffer. Think you need to get more advice - as piglette says try CAB.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes do get the union involved - that's what they're there for and why you pay your dues.

[margiebell4 in reply to DorsetLady]

I've sent off an email this evening, thanks for all your help and replies. As always this support group helps to realise you're not alone. X

[whitefishbay in reply to margiebell4]

I work in two schools and initially before I was on pred. I changed my hours from 8.00-4 pm to 7.30-2 pm. I would come home and go to bed for an hour before I would take a walk (otherwise you get too stiff). This seemed to work for me and for work. I have to work - no financial alternative. Over the years many teachers take weeks/months off for stress on full pay.

Best of luck and try not to stress about it as it does not help PMR.

[margiebell4 in reply to whitefishbay]

Thanks, did your pay reduce too?

[whitefishbay in reply to margiebell4]

No. But it was only one less hour a day of work plus I always work thru lunch so they were hardly losing out.

[Rose54]

Hi

I would contact ACAS for advice

They have to make reasonable adjustments and if working less hours is what you need to do theirs no reason why they could not do this in a job share.

Rose

[SheffieldJane]

I used to work in HR . If you have a condition that lasts for 12 months or more and it has a substantial effect on your day to day living then you are covered by the Equalities Act that encompasses the old Disability Discrimination Act. My own view is that PMR in most cases would be covered. It is difficult for individuals in the UK now because we have to fund our own cases at an Employment Tribunal. The Citizens Advice Bureau will have in house expertise to help you.

I am sorry you are experiencing this stress on top of being ill. Perhaps your employer needs more education about this very disabling condition. They must make reasonable adjustments in the work place to accommodate an employee with a disability. This might be working hours, job design, special equipment, someone to assist with aspects of the job, the list is endless. Good employers do this.

[PMRandRA]

The disability equality act? As a disease no, but some of the symptoms can be bad enough to be classed as a disability . You will have to get written verification of your disabilities from doc and or rheumy.

The trouble is that PMR is seen as a temporary curable disease. It you have any other arthritic condition such as Osteo or Rheumatoid , you will definitely get the result needed.

Hope this helps.

xxxx