I need a rant. Last year I got diagnosed with bipolar. (No idea if it's type 1 or 2, my letters etc just say bipolar disorder) I have been prescribed a very low dose of a strong medication to even out my moods. It's been a bit of a miracle in terms of helping me manage. I feel a lot more balanced now.
As a result of this medication I have had to be redeployed in my work, as I cannot perform safety critical actions while on the medication. I was promised protection of earnings as obviously I can't help having this disorder and I had an unblemished record in my job.
Here's the twist. I was in a job share for the past 4 years due to having caring responsibilities at home. The work system has me down as a full time worker. But my salary was only at the half rate to reflect my actual hours.
So it turns out I have to be redeployed as full time. As that's what I am according to the system. They cannot redeploy me to part time hours. However they'll only protect my actual salary. Which is £300 a year more than the new job. I can't go part time. It's this or leave.
People who have been redeployed due to issues with their work are now doing the same job as me, for twice the salary that I'm on. Yet due to medical issues for myself and caring responsibilities I am expected to do double the hours I was working for the same salary.
Last twist. They did not explain this to me. I was told that I would have protection of earnings as a full time worker. As that's what the computer said I was. They didn't tell me that the protection was on my part time salary, not the full time equivalent.
So now I've had a nasty shock come payday. I apparently "should have known" this. I took the job on the basis that I could afford to outsource things I couldn't do as physically not at home to do them (cleaning, cabs, food deliveries etc) and now I cannot afford to do this.
I've signed off sick as my mental health took a dive.
I can't afford not to work. I'm the sole earner. I'm a carer. I have a 12 year old.
My union rep is also shocked as this didn't come up in any meeting we have had. We're setting the ball rolling for grievances and if necessary Employment Trubunal. But right now I just feel like I've had the stuffing knocked out of me