Looking for some advice

Ru208

I work full time (2 days wfh and 3 days in the office). Three years ago I had a thr of my left hip. My office is on the 2nd floor of a building that doesn't have a lift. I have now been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of my right hip and am waiting for an appointment for a targetted injection to my hip. The only lift is in the building that joins ours and goes to the top of that building (2nd floor) - our building is 3 storeys. The stairs between the ground and 2nd floor is equal to walking upstairs at home 4 times. I'm trying to do the exercises recommended and understand that keeping moving is important but it's easier on a level. When I work at home, I can move around easier (I've purchased my own wireless headset so I can move during long meetings/conversations) and, yes, I do go up and down stairs but there are breaks in between. For the last 3 weeks, the only lift that serves the two buildings, has been out of order and won't be back in service this week - don't know exactly when it will be back in operation. How do I stand in saying that I will work from home until the lift is fixed please? I've really struggled today and know that I'll not just suffer pain this evening, but tomorrow. Thank you for any advice

frogmorton

Morning @Ru208

I am sure you should be able to negotiate something while the lift gets sorted and pre your operation if you have an understanding employer.

I really would have thought that working from home on a temporary basis should count as a reasonable adjustment under the equality act 2010

https://www.gov.uk/rights-disabled-person/employment

Have tried having a gentle conversation with your employer in the first instance? It would be much better if they are helpful and supportive and can see how much effort you are also making to keep working at a job you are good at.

Might be worth a quick chat to ACAS for some advice too they are far more expert than us.

https://www.acas.org.uk/

Best of luck

Toni x

Ru208

Thanks Toni - Fortunately, due to a message from Versus Arthritis, I've had the confidence to ask to work from home until the lift is fixed. Unfortunately, the lift breaking down is not unusual :(

I asked for flexible working a few months after my thr to enable me to have time to swim at my local pool (taking into account the times they have for 'open' swimming) but that was turned down apparently based on the fact that I need to be available 'in case anyone wants something, i.e. access to a digitally coded lock for a stationery cupboard or accepting deliveries for others who are wfh'.

I'll certainly be checking out the ACAS website and speaking with someone there.

Thank you for your good luck wishes

x