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AIBU?

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AIBU to consider legal action after dismissal for long-term sickness?

560 replies

KittyCoo · 17/04/2026 19:18

I’ve been dismissed from my job today due to long term sickness since August last year. I have crohns, ASD, and very severe OCD. I have intrusive thoughts and last summer I declared these to my boss who completely misunderstood me and was worried I’d act on these thoughts shock I told her they caused me immense distress.

Last month, I was confident I’d be able to return to work as I’m finally having CBT and on the right medication, now on an SSRI combined with an anti psychotic. My boss was supporting my return. But then a week later she decided to place me on medical suspension without any prior warning because occ health deemed me unfit to work due to my OCD still taking up a lot of my day. I then fed this back to my line manager saying I’ll beat this decision as in prove occ health wrong and that I am indeed fit for work. She arranged a meeting with me to discuss suspension and she knew my union rep was on annual leave but decided to go ahead with it anyway!!!

They dismissed me due to long term sickness and not taking into account what’s working well with my mental health!! I’m looking at finding a solicitor as I believe this is unfair dismissal due to my disabilities under the Equality Act 2010. I’ve contacted a few and had a few quotes back.

AIBU by wanting to take legal action and sue them because my OCD is deliberating and because of my ASD I have different communication styles that they’ve completely misunderstood. Do you think this is unfair dismissal ?

im so traumatised by it all and im worried ill be made homeless and have my property repossessed as I’ll have no money and won’t be able to find a future job

OP posts:
Itsmetheflamingo · 17/04/2026 19:26

Really all you can do is contact some lawyers and go for it but it will be costly upfront if that’s a factor.

Also ask them to tell you the expected award if you win as it’s not going to be a life changing amount (it’s only discrimination for disability that’s is uncapped but being realistic it’s unlikely to be £££)

paulhollywoodshairgel · 17/04/2026 19:26

Have you looked at acas website? They should have exhausted every avenue before dismissing you. For the future have a look at access to work as well as they can provide grants for things to help you in the workplace. I suffer with agoraphobia and I get a transport grant for taxis to take me door to door.

Earlgreyandcake · 17/04/2026 19:25

over 7 months off and occ health say you are unfit - work have done nothing wrong

ItsOnlyHobnobs · 17/04/2026 19:25

Oh and how long have you been employed in the role?

Velumental · 17/04/2026 19:24

We're the intrusive thoughts of harming others?

IsitaHatOrACat · 17/04/2026 19:24

In what basis did Occ health deem you unfit for work? Your manager is responding to this assessment
How much of the day is your OCD taking up?

Its great that your mental health is improving however a workplace needs an employee to be capable of the work required

ItsOnlyHobnobs · 17/04/2026 19:23

Do you truly feel capable of returning to work at full capacity?

KittyCoo · 17/04/2026 19:22

Admin. Last month we discussed returning part time abd reducing my hours but they didn’t even let me try that

OP posts:
NoSoupForU · 17/04/2026 19:22

Having a disability doesn't mean an employer has to keep you in their employment. They can't dismiss you because of your disability, but if you're not capable of doing the job they can dismiss you on the grounds of capability provided they follow their own procedures properly, which it sounds like they have?

sunshine244 · 17/04/2026 19:21

What sort of job is it, and is it realistic to return to full capacity?