Manager has refused my time off 'request'

[MyBossIsAPillock]

I emailed him 6 weeks ago to inform him that I won't be in next week and the week after. He's just told me that my request is rejected. He says it's half term so others have already booked the time off and I'm taking the piss even asking seeing as I've barely been in this year.

Things is, the reason I've been off so much is because I've had breast cancer. The reason I won't be in for the next 2 weeks is because I'll be having radiotherapy.

I told him it wasn't a request and that I wouldn't be in. He said that then it'll become a disciplinary matter. Fuckwit. I'm not worried, HR and senior management have been excellent throughout. But what a twattish way to treat someone going through hell.

I think he is 100% right that it will be a disciplinary matter, just not for you.

Good luck with the radiotherapy.

Wow, that is appalling. I’m so sorry you’re having to deal with that on top of everything else you’re going through OP. Can you take it further? Cancer is protected as a disability and he should not be allowed to treat you like this.

Is your manager not aware of the reason? If not YABU not to tell him, if he is then he’s a pillock and needs reporting to HR for his shitty attitude.

You would be best to get a sicknote to cover you. Maybe having a chat with him so he knows why you need time off.

I hope you got him saying that in writing OP!

As you say. He’s a fuckwit..

Clearly he doesn’t realise that cancer is a disability and therefore a protected characteristic. Twit. Good luck. Radiotherapy was comparatively simple apart from the precise positioning on the bed and it being chilly in the room. Be prepared for fatigue and use the medihoney or whatever cream they give you. Recommend taking tumeric to reduce inflammation.

Two separate issues. They don't have to agree to time off requests for holidays they can deny them

You are taking time off for treatment so get a doctor's note

Start logging all this. This could be a case for constructive dismiss. If you aren't in a union join one and keep them updated

Is he not aware of the medical stuff?

He knows. He just thinks he can do what he likes. Years ago he refused time off for jury service. Said he knew the law but he doesn't work that way. HR disagreed with him. I think he's an employment tribunal waiting to happen.

Did you request holiday or medical leave?

A relevant question, OP, I suspect.

Good luck with your treatment.

He sounds awful.

Best wishes for your treatment.

Sounds like time to get a new manager when you’ve got through it all.

I rarely say this, OP, but in your shoes, I would be putting in a formal complaint.

Knows the law but doesn’t work that way? Does he try that with the police “yes officer I’m aware of the law around stealing but I don’t work that way”.

I bet HR dread hearing about anything involving him!

As I say, it' a him problem not a company one. If I tell HR they'll crucify him. The HR manager went through it herself, she understands better than anyone.

@MyBossIsAPillock
From day 1 of having been diagnosed with cancer you have a 'Protected Characteristic' under the Equality Act 2010 - for life.
You can not be denied time off for treatment - did your manager know this? He can not refuse you sick leave/time off for treatment OR recovery time.
I would suggest that you speak to HR urgently and get them to put him right, allow the time off and educate him on the EA 2010.
If you get further push back you open a grievance against your manager and contact ACAS for support urgently.
You are always allowed time off for appointments relating to your cancer with no need to catch up on missed work time or any issues relating to side effects etc.
If you have annual leave outstanding then you are legally allowed to carry over 4 weeks of AL to be held for use for 18 months from the end of the leave year regardless of the company's own rules.

Good luck my lovely - I've been there and been through similar but worse so nip it in the bud now.
BTW - if you're having 2 weeks of RT then allow 2 weeks minimum to recover afterwards because it is brutal. Sending best wishes xxx

I just messaged him saying I wouldn't be in as I was starting radiotherapy.

Tell them. This isn't just about you. This is about a manager that really needs dealing with.

If he repiled via e-mail/or something you can screen shot- I'd just send a copy of his reply direct to HR.

Don’t worry about him and get your treatment sorted / you aren’t asking for a holiday!

I think he's a twat.
But your wording here is confusing. If you're signed off by a doctor then you don't request time off, you send your fit note in and tell him you'll be on medical leave.

If you requested time off implying it could be AL then he can reject that request.

Sorry but do you happen to work in retail @MyBossIsAPillock ?

Fwd the comms straight to HR and his line manager.
Flag he has done this previously with jury duty.
It is understandably causing you huge stress that his ability to reply in a timely fashion, his professionalism, his human empathy and his knowledge of employment law are SO very lacking.... please can they address ASAP.
You'd also like to file a grievance.

Dont take as annual leave, 100% take as medical leave (paid if you can) and DO NOT rush back.

What a dickhead he is.

Hope you are better soon

Bless his cottons, i hope he has some savings to get through christmas and new year when he's fired for discrimination by HR. He literally cannot deny you time off for this. But you know that, so forward on anything documentated to HR and go have your radiotherapy. Goodluck, i hope it goes well! Xx