work rights and reducing hours..

[bubbly1506]

hi all,

im new and need advice...


i took on a new job in october 2011 after not working properly for 2 years.

i went off sick on the 14th december so after less than 2 months of being there and have been off for 3 weeks so far but due to go back in 4 days..

however the hours are mon-fri 9-5/8-4/ 10-6 and i feel like ive taken on too much.

i have a chronic lung condition and am prone to infections etc.. i receive dla higher rate mobility.

what can i do about reducing my days/hours and what leg have i got to stand on?

it is a permanent role.


ive taken on too much

[Lighttouch]

You're in an interesting position.

Here's my view.

You are in a tricky position during a recession as the first thing Human Resources do is look at sickness records should there be any redundancies.

If I were you I'd join a Union like Unison for support.

When you go back to work the first thing your line manager should do is give you a 'return to work' interview to see if this was a 'one-off instance' or to establish if it might happen again. If you haven't already told your line manager that you're a disabled person then this is the time to do so as you may have some protection under the DDA.

It's also the time to discuss options like flexible working or perhaps a trial on reduced hours. With any luck your line manager will negotiate a phased return to work to suit you for a week or two.

These are tough times so don't be hasty or you might live to regret it.

Take care and good luck.

[Stepheninleeds]

It does depend on what job you do, whether the company you work for is large enough to offer more flexible hours, if there is someone else who can take on the work you will not be doing. LT is right, ask, simple as that. If the job is too much it will continue to have an affect on you, & you could lose it anyway. If you see if there are options you may find something that suits you better. I am not sure on your rights in this. Really, very few people have the right to flexible hours, but many companies see that flexible hours, for some jobs & some locations can also benefit them too. At the end of the day it can also come down to how much they feel you are valuable to them, what sort of worker they fee you are, & what losing you would mean. I would tread carefully, again as LT has suggested. They may feel they would be better off finding someone else.

You do have rights as a disabled or sick person, but only if you can do the job. That is putting it simply, but it is a fact. It also depends on the company polices on how they treat disabled, sick, or people in general who need more flexible hours & general assistance with work & working. I would seek employment aadvice, & a union is a good place to start.

[bubbly1506]

I work for axa which are a company that support disability apparently??! They have been awarded the positive about am disabled people award...

[Lighttouch]

I work for axa which are a company that support disability apparently??! They have been awarded the positive about am disabled people award...

I've just looked on their website and they look like a good company to work for. They obviously thought you were the right person for the job so congratulations for beating the opposition.

Remember when they employed you they could see your potential and were happy to offer you the post. You're in a lucky position being in work as that gives you more freedom and independence.

It looks like you also have the opportunity to better yourself so if they are still offering training to develop your skills - take them up on it.

Try to be positive about it. These days employers look at employees 'qualities' eg flexibility, enthusiasm, team player, positive approach.

It's not you and them - it's a partnership. You play ball and so will they.

Let us know what you think and how you get on.

Take care now.

[Stepheninleeds]

Then I hope Axa are good about this then. And again, I agree with LT.

[Paul]

First speak to your employer about being flexible due to your disabilities - it's called a Reasonable Adjustment.

If you struggle mention the words above and you should be fine, if they are 'positive about disabled' people then all should be well.

If you struggle, then do get in touch as this is exactly what I do (voluntarily) at work.

You can email me in confidence and I'll get back to you asap - pauljtaylor at live.co.uk


I'll reply in a bit more detail once I'm home (i've been in London for the last few weeks, and i'm heading back oop north shortly)

Paul

[robinhood]

so hard to say for it.
fighting for rights is not a easy job.