discrimination at work??

lesleygraham

Please bear with me, this is a long complicated story but I need advice and support.
I am 40, married with 3 children, eldest has Downs, he is 20. I have severe RA, been off sick for 1 year due to RA. I informed my employer, that I felt well enough to return to work, Occ health supported this. Went to back to work interview and was told by manager and HR that my old job was no longer vacant and I was been transferred to another college site 10 miles away, old job was less than one mile from home. I protested saying that my old job was indeed vacant as the agency staff covering me was leaving the following week, as was another person. The new job involves standing for long periods, which I cannot do and adds an extra hour travelling every day (rush hour traffic). My new time table for 24 hours includes working one day 3 hours and one day 2 hours. I also told him I had a disabled son (which he was aware of) at college and said that his taxi didnt come till 8.40 so I couldn't possible get to my new workplace for 8.45, however I could get to my old workplace in five minutes. Many other issues were expressed by myself but my manager basically said like it or lump it. I left the meeting crying uncontrolably and physically shaking. I am awaiting a response from Unison. I am so stressed my arthur is flaring.
Am I being discriminated against, are they trying to get me to leave? By the way, I work in a disability strategy unit.
Les

chris7

Hello Les

I'm no expert on this and am sure others will call in with practical advice for you. Sounds like you needed someone with you at the meeting today as they really aren't listening. I'm sure they can't move your place of work just like that when as you say your original post is still there.
Do hope Unison will give you some support on this, doesn't seem to make sense to me. Have you put this on Working matters forum too? The peeps on there are all clued up about this sort of thing and will hopefully be able to help.
Just sending a hug and acknowledging your tough day.
Chris xx

skezier

Hi Les,

It doesn't sound right and I am sorry you have had all this land on you. I so hope Unison can and will help you. I am self employed and don't know anything about the law but it just doesn't sound right to me at all. I wish I could help you but please try not to stress over it and all I can do is send you a ((( ))) and a hope the union rep will be really able to help you very soon. Cris x

clairy

I don't think this sounds right, but i'm no expert i would get some advice on this. I work for a bank and i got transfered to a branch closer to home after being off for a while to help make things easier as occ health said that this was a reasonable adjustment under DDA as my old branch was really an hour away from home so couldn't afford taxi's etc when i couldn't drive and now i work 10 mins away so can get a lift or taxi if need be.

If your in a union they should be able to help out.

Good luck

chile168

Hi Lesley,

Sorry to hear about all the awful treatment you are receiving on your return to work. It's absolutely disgusting!!!

Do you have a union rep? If not, you can google Directgov they have loads information on this topic. I have googled it and found this number for you - 0845 604 6610. If its not the correct department cos it's early for me lol, they will put you to the right one. I have called them in the past and they give good advice and explain your rights. They also give you a reference as they log calls.

Hope that helps and good luck xxxxx

Eve

oneday

Hi Les
my mantra is, if it doesnt feel right it isnt.
This doesnt feel right and isnt.
There are laws to protect working families and laws to protect in respect of disabilities. In my eyes your employer is flouting both. I am really surprised HR are cahoots with this as they must know they are on slippery ground here.
Try the disability rights website and you need union legal help.
It isnt right, you just need someone in the know to support you with the right lingo!
@)

chile168

Lesley,

Directgov has a lot of info on discrimination at work but also sending you these:

www.shaw-trust.org.uk and www.direct.gov.uk

Hope this as well as the number given above helps xxxxx

Eve