I posted the same message elsewhere in error - I need advice.
When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2007 I was working as a temp having given up my job as a school librarian a few months previously.
After my breast reconstruction at the end of 2007 I applied for a job in my local trust working in medical records. Up till now I have managed to cope because I didn’t have to file but over the last few months many of the staff have left meaning we have had to do more physical work leaving me sore and tired.
Today I went into work to find I have been allocated even more physical work. I don’t know if they can do this without discussing it with me first. I just dissolved into tears, because I am always in pain as it was my dominant arm which was effected but have bitten my lip and got on with the work even playing badminton but I really don’t know how I am going to manage with filing heavy records.
Has anyone any advice as to what I do if my job has changed since being employed?
Hiya Merlyn
Talk to your union!
Even if you’re not in it they should be able to help, as it may not be just you that’s having job changes foisted on you without consultation.
Or try the BCC helpline or Citizens advice they’ll all be able to give some advice.
Good Luck!
XXHelenXX
As I understand it, you are classed as “disabled” once you have had a cancer diagnosis, so your employers have responsibilities towards you as a disabled person. I know it seems silly, but this is one instance where you do need that label.
Give the Helpline a ring, they will know where to point you, and they’re open from 9 tomorrow morning. You should not be made to do things that physically you are not up for.
Good luck
CM
x
Hi Merlyn
I’m sure that this is a very difficult time for you at work. Here’s the link to the page which covers our Employ Charter, I think you may find this information helpful.
Also, do give the Helpline a call who can point you in the direction of other sources of help and information.
They’re on 0808 800 6000 and they open at 9.00am tomorrow.
Best wishes.
Louise
Facilitator
Thanks, I will ring tomorrow.
I am so miserable as I use to love my job, the girls I work with are great fun.
Instead today I was very ratty with everyone and this evening I have spent the evening upstairs on my own rather than be sociable.
I am scared I am going to go down the depression route again.
I work for the NHS for goodness sake you would think they would be a little more caring wouldn’t you.
Don’t be daft, Merlyn, that would be far too obvious! Sadly, a lot of ladies on here who work for the NHS have had particularly shoddy treatment. It’s quite disgraceful. Hopefully the helpline will be able to point you in the right direction. As for the link, look in the Publications section from the front page, you should find it fairly easily in the employment section.
Hi Merlyn
Sorry to hear about your dilemma. I work for the NHS and have had excellent treatment so far. Everyone has been very caring including Occy Health who are helping me return to work on a “phased return to work basis”. However I do have experience of having my job changed with no discussion with me whatsoever!! If you need to talk about it I would be glad to lend an ear and give you my mobile.
Good luck x
Hi as said above the equality act changed in 2010 and anyone with cancer diagnosis is classed as disabled for life. This means your employer has to make “reasonable adjustments” to enable you to continue. Mc millan do a very good leaflet on employees rights which might be worth looking at on their website
Hi thanks Swift and Lucy,
I will be in touch later.
I will have to wait till Friday to make all my calls as there is nowhere private where I work.
Till then I will have to bite my lip.
Just off to the train now, have a good day everyone.
Life doesn’t get any better does it.
Got called into the office today because I have made a fuss about filing, was basically told to lump it or get a note from the Dr to say that I wasn’t fit to file.
Someone came up to me and said that if my arm hurt so much how come I could manage to go backpacking with my husband and play badminton.
None of those people have seen my husband carrying two large rucsacs or heard my groans everytime I try to smash while playing badminton.
I make my decisions each day on what I am physically feeling up to but now I feel its going to work and nothing else.
Yet again I have come up to the bedroom to cry what is the point in keeping me alive if my life has been taken away from me. I feel almost as bad tonight as I did when first diagnosed.
By the time I got home it was too late to ring the support line and I couldn’t get a Drs appointment either as I think its time for happy pills again.
Hi loupylou
I wasn’t employed by NHS at diagnosis, I joined a year later.
As I said at the beginning I coped while the work was light, its only been more difficult recently.
I will try to bite my lip for a bit longer, at least badminton has finished till September and I go on holiday in three weeks time so I will get a break.
After that I will make have to decide what I want to do.
At the moment its resignation but I will contact occy health before I do that.
Trish
Trish, what a horrible time you’ve had. See if you can find 15 mins during your day tomorrow to get out your mobile and give the helpline a ring. What you are being subjected to is SO wrong, and the comments to “like it or lump it” are quite disgusting. I really hope they didn’t use that term – PARTICULARLY insensitive for a BC patient! – and if they did, that could put your manager in SERIOUS trouble for disability discrimination and you could take them to tribunal for it. Even if you do feel you have to resign, they could be guilty of constructive dismissal. Do you have a union? They might also be worth talking to.
Take a look at the EMPLOY leaflet yourself, get to understand your rights and responsibilities and your employer’s rights and responsibilities, and don’t feel forced to resign. Speak to occy health and see what they say (clutching the EMPLOY leaflet so you can make sure they see it) and don’t give up.
Also, make written notes of meetings and even conversations you have regarding your change of job.
As someone else has said on the forums, some managers just don’t have a clue, as much because they themselves haven’t received the appropriate training. But that doesn’t excuse them, and doesn’t make it any easier on you. You could really do without the stress.
I rang the helpline today, and the lady I spoke to was very comforting and is going to send me some information, but I am not sure I want to push things anymore. I don’t think I can take the pressure.
I apologise to any of you that feel I am letting the side down but I don’t think I am up to the fight.
Thanks for the support girls, and I hope nobody else has to deal with a similar problem.
Love Trish
Trish they should not brow-beat you into resigning (or even wanting to resign) from a job you never applied for in the first place, which you knew you were not fit to do, this is probably constructive dismissal and equivalent to them sacking you for being ill which by my understanding is not legal. While the upshot end result masy be the same, ie. you don’t keep on working for them any more, there is a difference in how much cash you walk away with, and if you go willingly, apparently voluntarily, they get to keep the cash that you need and are entitled to. Please wait till that info arrives, and read it slowly and carefully before you make any decisions. Consider getting legal advice, lots of solicitors will give half an hour for free, or you might have “family legal protection” thrown in with your home insurance. Time will come soon enough when you need that money, that’s why you want to work. wishing you good luck and a second wind!