Sorry for such a dramatic headline and for not posting this in the working matters area.
I had my "informal" sickness review meeting this morning and as you can probably guess it did not go well.
I was glad I had taken union advice, read the policy and also got some useful information from ACAS as at least I stood my ground.
My main issue was the target I had been set in advance of the meeting of zero absences for 3 months or I would go to stage 1 of the formal procedure.
I pointed out that this was not in the policy which is also out of date as it does not reference the Equalities Act, and did not follow the ACAS guidance on discriminating clearly between absence caused by disability and that caused by illness. I also reminded them that my long absence in the summer term was not relevant as I no longer work full-time.
I said I would welcome a further OH review and that while I would like to be able to say I would have no further time off I was not prepared to agree that until I had seen OH.
I felt humiliated having to state that I've had a couple of days off this term due to days when I barely had the energy to eat let alone get dressed and asked what I was expected to do in this situation as it is not like having a cold or "flu".
I felt insulted when asked if I had any medical evidence to support this, and the type and impact of my disability, did I have it with me, and would I be willing to show it to OH and for the business manager to scan it over so OH could read it "thoroughly ". My reply was that I always took evidence with me, that I had plenty, and that I would scan it over myself.
I am angry at HR's assumption that as reasonable adjustments have aleadt been made they don't have to do any more and I shouldn't expect any.
And scared? I really felt there was a hostile undercurrent. They seemed very keen to get me onto the formal process, I asked what would happen if I needed further surgery and was told I would then go to Stage one of the formal procedures, and that they will not count future absences as disability leave unless they have to. I'm now at the age at which early retirement on health grounds becomes possible and the fact I am good at my job doesn't matter.
They want me to have an "urgent" OH review, next week if possible and then to continue the informal process once this has happened to set targets.
I have already got on to my union rep and he will attend the next meeting.
Sorry this is so long but it just seems like one battle after another.
He did not say you will not be storm tossed, you will not be sore distressed, you will not be work weary. He said you will not be overcome.
Julian of Norwich
0
Comments
I've been where you are, though broadly speaking, the rules are much different now to when I was medically retired. It's a hugely stressful time when you have to repeatedly fight your corner with strength you don't have, and determination continually eroded.
Hostility I recognise well - my Head was a bully, so when union representation was called for we had to get someone from outside our LEA.
If you feel there's a hidden agenda, please make sure you note every comment/suggestion/threat. I kept a log of every meeting. It's tiresome and stressful and you shouldn't have to be in this position.
Try to have an easy weekend, with 'me time,'and do take care.
Of course it goes without saying that the School business manager told me she has a "touch" of arthritis so knows what the pain is like for me!
Still I'm going out for Afternoon Tea on Sunday afternoon so that's something to look forward to.
Julian of Norwich
I work for a local authority too and am very grateful that they're being quite supportive ( so far anyway).
I know its easy for me to say but do try to stay calm about it.
Do keep us updated, I'll be thinking of you.
slomo
That's because it is, Slosh. I'm sorry, this is way outside my experience and expertise so I'll just shut up but, like mig, I send (((())))s.
True words. Hey ho...but as Scarlett O'Hara said
"Tomorrow is another day"
Julian of Norwich
Meg
Julian of Norwich
smile another smile and soon there
will be miles and miles of smiles
just because you smiled I wish your
day is full of Smiles
It would have been better if they had come out at the start with recognising that my case is unusual and was not one the HR person had dealt with before rather than reluctantly conceding this at the end of the meeting. I'm used to being in difficult meetings where you have to make a case to external agencies, if I found it hard I dread to think what it would be like for someone without this experience or confidence.
Julian of Norwich
I've been in a similar position where my Line Manager had no understanding of what my health issues were or the fact that I just needed a little extra support and time. I ended up moving roles - quickly.
Three years on generally I get good support. My current Line Manager has a major hearing impairment so has an understanding of what it's like to try and keep up with everyone else. All we want is to be able to do our jobs well, be judged on our abilities - not our disabilities - and be recognised for what we've done well.
I hope that the next meeting goes better and also that your GP is able to reassure you.
Take care,
GraceB
Take care.
Deb xx
I had a nice time yesterday with a friend which was good, tea, cake and chat therapy!
I'm going to scan and send over some key documents today and then put it out of my mind until the appointment comes through and focus on getting ready for Christmas.
Julian of Norwich
Your experience is priceless to the children and families you support, and any head that doesn't understand that needs to remove the tunnel vision glasses and recognise what an asset you are.............
Happy Christmas preparations! :presents:
Deb x
I had a lovely compliment from a parent last week, her daughter has JIA and I teach her in a small group for reading as she has literacy difficulties as well. She told me her daughter looks up to me as she can see I struggle but keep going.
I also had a yr 4 pupil complain that he wouldn't have a reading session with me next week as it would be his class party and that he'd rather work with me!
It is in my favour that I can still do a good job, I would just like some lea way if I can't get into work due to fatigue, the problem is that to someone who hasn't experienced this, or isn't medically trained this just sounds like laziness. At least HR have now acknowledged that I am a special case and they need more guidance.
Anyway this week will be more relaxed in school, time to find out the fairy lights for my crutches and get Fred and Ginger decked out for Christmas!
Thanks again for your lovely comments and support
Julian of Norwich
Elizabeth x
Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
Accept no ones definition of your life
Define yourself........
Harvey Fierstein
I was extremely lucky in that I was self-employed and thus able to tailor things to my needs, but even so stopping work came as a huge relief and, three or so years in, I still wake every day with gratitude that the day ahead is mine to use or not as I please. It's a fantastic freedom to have and I know I am very fortunate. DD
DD you're right, I try not to look back to the "old" me, or think about how quickly things have changed for me, mainly because I'm a coward and it's too painful and for a similar reason, plus the fact it scares me, I don't tend to look too far ahead.
Mig, it was a long and painfilled day today but I'm feeling a bit better after going to bed for an hour when I got in and had eaten/taken meds.
Things have moved on slightly, and in what looks to be a more positive way. I had a letter today from the school business manager, a record of Friday, and she asked me to check it in case I disagreed with anything.
It included reference to "reasonable " targets to be set after I have met with OH, and then at the end a phrase saying I was to let them know if there were any other reasonable adjustments that could be made in order to help me to continue working at the school.
I don't know if HR realised they had over stepped the mark, or if my Headteacher has put in a word for me and to be honest I don't care! It just seems a much more human/humane response and that a compromise is possible. Very different from all the talk of an "urgent" review and follow up meeting.
It probably didn't help that amongst the mix I have also had to complete a second PIP form to reflect how things have moved on, plus my husband, who still insists he "loves" me, has moved out so we are, in my eyes at least, separated.
Once again, the support, understanding and advice here is invaluable. :carolers:
Julian of Norwich
I am so sorry to read that your husband has moved out - we often say on here that arthritis affects everyone in the immediate circle of the arthritic and it does.
Right, here comes a blast of DD so prepare yourself.
As for my OH, it was a gradual thing and I do think his cultural background played a big part. It is as amicable as these things can be.
I'm glad you had a frivolous day, you deserved it especially after last weekend. I had a fun afternoon, parties in school so Fred and Ginger are all decked out in their lights much to the children's delight, and mine when they said I looked "fabulous " and like the "Christmas tree fairy".
Julian of Norwich