I currently work on checkouts at a well known supermarket. I have been told that checkout staff will have to be multitasked on other departments. Does the Disability Act cover me as I am unable to stand for long periods on other departments,
I am interested in any feedback. Thank you
Disability is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act, so yes you are protected.
Thank you
See this link from CAB - citizensadvice.org.uk/work/...
Thank you
Is GCA considered a disability too?
Well if you cannot perform your normal duties due to the illness and/or the medication, then yes…same as PMR. But it may depend on how well your meds control your illness…so you probably need to investigate further, if you are personally affected…
I had already retired when I had GCA so no personal experience - but have to say that losing sight in one eye was not considered to be a disability..by any government department! That may have been considered differently had I still been working and needed both….🤔
Yes I’m the same lost sight in my right eye and I have PMR. Had GI bleed and hospital stay so been very unwell off work at moment recovering, it’s set me right back but it’s still early days. 2 months since GCA started and meds not agreeing with me.
Well as you have both, then definitely be considering talking to LM, HR and union rep, if company has one….about your situation. Might be worth getting advice from CAB as well…and please let us know how you get on.
Will do thank you. It’s early days, still trying to adjust!!
I'm not sure whether or not PMR is regarded as a disability per se but if its limitations are such that they prevent you from doing your job this should be taken into consideration by your employer and your role adjusted in terms of hours and duties. If you have other conditions your case will be stronger. A talk with your first line manager or HR is needed and if necessary a letter from your doctor if s/he is cooperative. It would be a good idea to give Citizens Advice a call.
There are others in this group who will be along to tell you of their own experiences. Good luck!
Thank you. I will wait to see how things pan out for me as my line manager has not spoken to me about it yet. Hopefully she will be alright but I can ask for Union advice I would think
Good idea! Your union rep will advocate for you if need be and if he or she is conscientious. If a bit 'wishy washy' your local area union office will be helpful as they will have dealt with many such cases.
( I was teacher rep in the old days and loved it. The person taking over when I retired was appalling and when I pointed her to my filing cabinet with loads of statutory advice she said, "Oh! I can't be bothered with all that!" The staff groaned.)
Absolutely -and the HR department
The Equality Act that encompasses the Disability Act of 1996 now, states that any condition that lasts for over 12 months and has a substantial effect on day to day living would be covered by the act. Your employers have a duty of care towards you and should make reasonable adjustments to enable the disabled person to undertake and retain their employment. These adjustments could include the provision of equipment ( a special seat maybe) changes to a working pattern, designing a job round you etc. I would be very surprised if your employer was not keen to help you. Employers who fail to make adequate provision could find themselves breaking the law and facing unlimited compensation and the reputational damage that would ensue.I am sure we would be covered and everything should be fine. I couldn’t stand without severe low back pain for more that 15 minutes. Let us know - don’t be deflected by someone who doesn’t know their employment law. X
Thanks so much. If I get told I have to shelf stack I will point out that I am covered by the Equality act
Small anecdote. I live in France & wondered why no supermarket cashiers ever help with packing. Then it struck me this was sensible to not twist the back, lift heavy items etc. for better health outcomes down the line.
I agree with SheffieldJane ‘Reasonable adjustments’ are the magic words to use. It is the law but it also shows you know the law which can be very important in itself.
Dr Mackie recently mentioned in one of her talks that it is a disabillity
I followed up DorsetLady’s link and found that you are considered disabled if
“your impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to do normal day-to-day activities”
Also….
“Your impairment doesn’t have to stop you doing anything, as long as it makes it harder. It might cause you pain, make tasks take a long time or mean you can't do an activity more than once.”
Looks to me as if PMR is definitely covered under the Act. Good luck koalajane, hope your employers are helpful xx
In employment law terms a disability is defined as a a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long term negative effect on your ability to perform normal daily activities. The employer has to make reasonable adjustments.
Therefore yes it can be classed as a disability and you should see HR and ask for reasonable adjustment to be made to accommodate your needs.
It’s now called the Equality Act 2010, (used to be DDA, 1996) see the link DL’s put on. Your illness comes under disability and your workplace HR department will help you. By law they have to make reasonable adjustments to help you carry out your workplace duties comfortably. If they don’t they are being discriminatory and your union will support you if necessary but it shouldn’t come to that.
Just thinking about all this....a couple of years ago, I had to see my employer because I just couldn't carry on working the hours and duties that entailed, she was very good and allowed me to reduce my hours and ditch all extra duties, but it meant having a new contract and I have been financially disadvantaged as a result. 😒
I am sorry your finances were affected so. Companies have their own policies and procedures each giving differently. I’ve gone through it myself, for different health reasons back then. It’s important to have support when unwell. I sought union advice as well as HR, Occupational Health and my GP, as I couldn’t work. I feel for you with what happened. I was lucky as I had an Occupational Health Doctor on my side. My hours were chosen by him (I was being bullied and the stress took a real hold) and were agreed by work. I was the breadwinner and carer for my husband and was terrified of losing my job. In the end I was lucky (didn’t see it at the time though) to be offered a good redundancy package (I was near to retirement). Within 18months I got GCA, Cancer and PMR respectively. So for me the stress factor ruined my health.
Thanks for your reply. I'm sorry your health deteriorated so quickly. Stress has so much to answer for, and I'm convinced it contributed to my PMR as at the time I was going through so much stress both at work and in the family. Despite the financial losses, work is so much better now and I'm grateful for that. I don't have the extra hours or indeed the added stress, and that's worth so much more.
Yes stress certainly does have a lot to answer for. I’m pleased you’re in a better place with work. As long as we can get by that extra stress isn’t worth any money. We’ve been unlucky with our health though. All I ever looked forward to was to do things in my retirement but it is what it is. 🌺
PMR gone???????
PMR Newbie 
Disability
PMR Tapering
