Hi lovely people.
Does anyone have any idea, what I have to tell work. I have my op booked for 16/6. They haven’t been the kindest of employers (management that is). Asking me how long I will be off and if I’m going into work between treatments? When I told my consultant she and the BCN were both horrified. BCN told me to go to GP and ask for a 3 months sick note. They said I could do without the stress before the op. Do I have to legally tell them anything more about my situation- they already know I have been diagnosed with BC. But no more than that. Also management have phoned several times for an update. I’m sure there is an ulterior motive behind it all. As ‘cuts’ need to be made to save money.
Any advice appreciated. Thanks lovely people xx
Poor you. My boss wasn’t entirely sympathetic after my lymph node biopsy, he was kind of ok while I was off, but as soon as I went back he expected me to be working as before, and as there are only 4 of us I felt like he expected me to catch up with everything. I was extremely tired and ended up having to take sick days but still doing 5 hours overtime each week. A couple of days after being diagnosed my firm merged with another that I had previously worked at so the managing partner knew me and had also had cancer, this time he has been a lot more reasonable, I think he has been told to be.
I believe that companies are not allowed to discriminate against you for having cancer, my boss is aware of this as I know one of his previous employees took him to a tribunal for doing just that.
Good luck with it, you have enough to deal with without work being difficult.
Thank you eggster. It kind of makes it worse as all but 2 staff are women and I know how other staff have been treated when off sick. Will keep you posted.
hi Olly,
No, you dont have to tell them anything, it’s entirely up to you. Your medical history is confidential to you. As eggster says, under the Equalities Act employers cannot discriminate & reasonable adjustments should be made.
As your bcn says, see your gp about sick leave, it’s between you & your gp.
Sadly, there are others here with difficult employers so do check everything out & get advice. This site, Macmillan & the Citizens Advice Bureau can advise.
ann x
Hi Ollybobs, as far as I know you are legally protected if you have cancer while working. Perhaps you could contact Macmillan, I am sure they would be able to advise you. You could certainly do without the stress right now. Good luck. Michelle xx
Thank you ladies for your replies. Good to know it’s up to me what I tell them. Definitely seeing GP asap xx