I have come back on here as I am really struggling at work. I returned to work in May 2020 after having a mastectomy, radiotherapy and hormone treatment, which is ongoing.
Everything was great up until a new member of staff who is now my line manager took up their role. I was advised to work from home since I went back to work and it is going well. Some of my work colleagues have been into work to do bits of work. When this new member of staff started the role I explained that I had been back at work since May and that I had been advised to work from home.
I received snide comment after comment, where one of the things she said was ‘that’s the problem that you are not in Work’ this was the last straw so I went to HR. I got an apology but only for the comment that was made infront of a witness.
Moving on from that, I am being micromanaged, hounded with email and unrealistic deadlines. I have flagged it to to the manager above this lady and it seems to be ignored. On Tuesday I had a breakdown in the morning and I emailed the manager above this lady to say I can’t do the training, it is making me feel ill and stressed. I don’t know where to go with this now and could do with some advice. I feel exhausted, anxious and stressed. Thanks xx
Sunflower Call the number on here, I am sure they can help advise on law against discrimination and how to go about things. Hopefully others will pop on with some additional advise too So sorry to hear you are in this position and hopefully you will be given some good advice here also have free half hour consultation with employment lawyer about things. Shi xx
The fact that you transitioned smoothly and quickly from treatment back into work is to your credit but this situation is unacceptable and perhaps should be moved to a formal level of investigation by HR. Your employer is obliged to register you as disabled under the Equalities Act 2010, which replaced the Disability Discrimination Act. It might be worth looking at the relevant sections on workplace bullying for your own reassurance but I would advise you to ring the Macmillan helpline and choose the Work option. You will get very well-informed advice as well as being free to RANT. Unfortunately, facing up to someone who thinks they are proving they can do their new job well and even motivate the ill to work harder is difficult as they simply don’t understand the damage they are doing.
You are now living with cancer and doing the best job you can in the circumstances. Be proud of that. Acknowledge that you are on the receiving end of what’s legally defined as workplace bullying and that there are things you can do to put this right, even if you choose not to. I’m guessing you don’t belong to a trade union as you haven’t mentioned it. HR won’t want this to be elevated to a formal action so they should support you all the way.
Meantime, look after your emotional health - have a look at the online sessions being run by Breast Cancer Haven and, of course, explore YouTube for relaxation and positive affirmations videos that can help. I hope it gets resolved quickly. Jan x
