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Original poster

DD started new job today and is worried they'll fire her

34 replies

CanNeverThinkOfAName · 12/06/2023 22:14

She's just found out she's broken her hand. Office job. Hand now in cast so can't write (right hand), type or drive.

Friend shut car boot on it accidentally last night. It was swollen as hell but she said she didn't want to be stuck in A&E as she had to get ready for new job this morning.

Started new job today. In pain and even more swollen so bf took her straight to A&E after work.

Worried job will sack her as she obviously can't do the work they need her to do and cast won't be off for 6-8 weeks!

Can they?

She'd been looking for a new job for 3 months and was over the moon to get this one!

OP posts:
TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 12/06/2023 22:17

What sort of office job? Can’t she just type slowly with one finger and her left hand? My workplace would absolutely not fire someone for this, but it’s local government, so not necessarily representative.

FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 12/06/2023 22:20

Look up windows accessibility features like sticky keys. I broke my right hand (dominant) a few years ago, needed surgery to screw it back together. I had a week off but was then able to go back to work and do everything I needed to do. A bit slower with the typing but perfectly possible one handed.

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Preps · 12/06/2023 22:39

Who's the employer? I don't think any large firm would dismiss someone for this, but smaller companies might or might make her take sickleave/extend her probation.

hattyhathat · 12/06/2023 22:41

A decent employer wouldn't but might extend her probation. She needs to really try what she can.

RosesAndHellebores · 12/06/2023 22:43

Dragon software
Alternative/adjusted duties - can she offer to cover switchboard, reception, front desk, etc. Be really agreeable and flexible.

I'd support her.

I think it depends on the employer.

CC222 · 12/06/2023 22:53

I think she just needs to do her absolute best, show a keen interest in learning and do what she can one handed while on the computer.
If she shows enough eagerness and willingness to learn that should hopefully override the fact that she might be a bit slow with her work to begin with.
Any good employer will appreciate someone that learns well and does the work right, rather than someone that's quick and makes mistakes from rushing anyway.
She just needs to make a good impression now 😊

mosiacmaker · 12/06/2023 22:55

I don’t think a workplace would fire someone for this in the UK, surely it’s basically disability discrimination? They should make reasonable adjustments to help her do the job! 6 weeks seems like a lot but it really isn’t in the grand scheme of things.

SheilaFentiman · 12/06/2023 22:57

Is it a permanent job?

xogossipgirlxo · 12/06/2023 23:01

They might extend her probation period

Preps · 12/06/2023 23:03

mosiacmaker · 12/06/2023 22:55

I don’t think a workplace would fire someone for this in the UK, surely it’s basically disability discrimination? They should make reasonable adjustments to help her do the job! 6 weeks seems like a lot but it really isn’t in the grand scheme of things.

A temporary injury isn't a disability and isn't covered by the Act

PinkPrincessPhilo · 12/06/2023 23:04

mosiacmaker · 12/06/2023 22:55

I don’t think a workplace would fire someone for this in the UK, surely it’s basically disability discrimination? They should make reasonable adjustments to help her do the job! 6 weeks seems like a lot but it really isn’t in the grand scheme of things.

A broken hand is not a disability.

Hellocatshome · 12/06/2023 23:04

I had an operation on my dominant hand and couldn't use it for 8 weeks. Well my finger tips were sticking out the end of the cast so once the pain subsided I did use them from prodding a few keys on the keyboard along with my left hand. I could also answer the phone which isn't actually my job but I made myself useful. The best thing she can do is go in tomorrow and let them know the things she feels she can do and see what they say.

LillyoftheMountain · 12/06/2023 23:21

It will depend on the company. In my experience if it’s a large employer she will be fine as there is so much work to do around sacking someone that it won’t be worth it.

If it’s an unscrupulous smaller company they might try to get rid of her.

Hope she feels better and it’s too upset.

Original poster
CanNeverThinkOfAName · 12/06/2023 23:24

Thanks all.

It's a big accountancy firm in the city. Permanent yes.

Good idea about the apps. I'll mention.

She's intending to go in tomorrow. There is a lot of PC based admin training.

Hopefully they'll be understanding!

OP posts:
Northernsouloldies · 12/06/2023 23:24

Show willing but she shouldn't do anything obviously that could leave her hand permanently damaged. Hope she finds a resolution.

ohsuzannah · 12/06/2023 23:25

I broke my elbow and went to work with my arm in a sling ( civil service)
They sent me home 😒

AlltheFs · 12/06/2023 23:31

I started my first job out of uni on crutches with a severe knee injury and a full length cast (so couldn’t sit in a normal office chair or anything). I had to have loads of time off for appointments etc. I did grit my teeth and go in when I was in pain as was determined to make the best of it but everything was fine and they were very kind.

I did offer to take unpaid leave/use holiday which they declined but I felt it important I offered.

I was actually only on a temp contract initially but got promoted and made permanent quickly so didn’t hold me back!

icanflysometimes · 12/06/2023 23:32

I work for a big consultancy.

We might privately think 'oh goodness, what a pain' but we would never fire someone. As the Director I'd be calling IT to ask what they could come up with to help!

She just needs to be smiley, apologetic and keen.

Dancingcandlesticks · 12/06/2023 23:34

My employer wouldn’t fire her but legally they could as she is under 2 years and it wouldn’t be a protected characteristic. If they did, try to think of it as a lucky escape as probably not a nice place to work.

EyelessArseFace · 12/06/2023 23:50

CanNeverThinkOfAName · 12/06/2023 23:24

Thanks all.

It's a big accountancy firm in the city. Permanent yes.

Good idea about the apps. I'll mention.

She's intending to go in tomorrow. There is a lot of PC based admin training.

Hopefully they'll be understanding!

I work in finance, and injured my right hand some years ago. I learned to operate a mouse with my left hand fairly quickly. My employer was very good about it, and I'm sure they will be understanding.

PinkFrogss · 13/06/2023 00:00

Legally they could yes, but if she turns up and does what she can I hope they’d appreciate her hard work and the effort.

VDisappointing · 13/06/2023 04:57

If it is a big accountancy firm they will support her.
also you have not said what bone/s - my son broke his right wrist and was still typing for his mocks a few days later although slowly

CrapBucket · 13/06/2023 05:13

Wishing her a speedy recovery. Honestly recruitment is such a PITA I think most employers would just suck it up rather than have to recruit someone else.

MotorwayDiva · 13/06/2023 07:02

A good manager will work around it, most of new job is getting access, reading and getting up to speed anyway.