Work extended my probation period after finding out I was dyslexic

[startingtolooklikemother]

Hi all long time lurker but not much of a poster. Looking for some perspective on things please as I'm not sure if I'm being unreasonable.
Back story started new job in November last year, it's in a managerial role in a professional area (no idea if that makes a difference) I'm doing really well with n the role but really struggle with writing down plans in a particular piece of software. This doesn't stop me doing my job as such but there is a responsibility to provide this to clients so they can review progress. I stated to my Line manager that I'm dyslexic and need some support in doing this.
Next minute I get a telephone meeting with HR whilst they extend my probation period and arrange external assessments (which have confirmed moderate to severe dyslexic)
My question is that due to having probation extended I'm missing out financially plus it's causing me great stress! They have put in place some of the occupational health recommendations but not all.
Can anyone with a legal or hr comment I'm feeling very vulnerable

Sorry you are having problems. Gently does it. Arguments with an employer rarely end well.

For me the advice above which sticks out are:

1. If you have a union rep, speak to them. If you aren't in a union but can join one, now might be a good time
2. If you can get free legal advise, that is obviously sensible.
3. If you contact HR, at this stage be gentle and just ask if there is more help they can give you for your dyslexia. That triggers their responsibility to make a reasonable adjustment while appearing to want to be cooperative.

Perhaps dyslexia doesn't need to be disclosed. I know that medication conditions do and that the can fire you on the spot for not doing so if you have been asked during application.

No, employers cannot ask about health during the appointment process

Thanks lifeinthelastlane, I'm fine now working from home helps me manage my migraine so thats good, but it was a rough few years!

AllyMcBeagle, Honestly I am only speaking from my own experiance, most jobs I've applied for ask if you have any preexisting medication conditions at the application stage. They always say it won't be known to the people interviewing you and is only so they can make adjustments and monitor diversity etc but I can't help but think that information goes against you. I know a few other people who have similer experiences.

I know that medication conditions do and that the can fire you on the spot for not doing so if you have been asked during application.

This is such misinformation. You don't have to disclose anything, unless it stops you doing the job.

However, I would always suggest disclosing after the job offer if you need adjustments made. I have never disclosed before interview however, as it's not their business at that point. (With the proviso I have only applied for suitable jobs, or ones where adjustments would be minor.

The previous poster who was fired for disclosing migraines - that was disability discrimation, and you likely had a case against them. They can still let people go for high sick leave with a disability, but only after making adjustments and making sure there is nothing more they can do.

Hi all thanks for your answers. I didn't disclose at interview as I've self diagnosed previously and had been doing a role extremely similar with another company for 4 years without any issue.
I'm missing out financially because during probation my benefits are minimal and increase after passing (circa £600 per month)
The software they use I could use something else. In the Occ health report they are supposed to provide additional training to use this software and larger screens both of which have not happened. (3 months now since extension)
I really don't want to sound whinging and a victim but keen to understand my position so I can address it in a professional manner

I have severe dyslexia. I find using an Outlook Calender for everything helps - appts, reminders, meetings, deadlines, etc. I also draw up a weekly plan to lay out what I will be prioritizing.

FFS. There is no such thing as 'self diagnosis' for dyslexia. It's so many people 'self diagnosing' which means genuine cases of adult dyslexia go unsupported.

Now you've disclosed that you were having trouble, they've had you independently assessed (adult dyslexia assessments are usually performed privately and your company will have incurred costs for this) for dyslexia and have discussed adjustments for you now that you have a formal diagnosis, is that correct? (I'm dyslexic, formally diagnosed aged 18 and it took 8 months)

What is it specifically about this software that is different from other software which you'd find yourself able to use? Surely your ability to input information into a system is the issue, not the system itself if the problem is related to dyslexia? How were you able to perform the same kind of task on a previous system?

I'm not being horrid here, these are the kinds of questions (and more pointed) you're going to get if you pursue this.

I'd see this as a good thing - I used to work in HR, but when I suggested on another thread recently extending someone's probation (due to sick leave) it was viewed by some as a punishment! Interesting!

The company have arranged an assessment for you, and have given you more time to master the software. Press them to do their promised bits (screen size and additional training) because I doubt they would have extended your probation if you were doing well enough to pass it.

The company seem to have done all the right things here, OP.

Well you're self diagnosed so they have to do assessments; they can't just take your word for it.

I think the company wants to keep you, but just needs to do everything by the book (as it were) in the light of this new information.
Paying for the dyslexia assessment is just brilliant, actually, because they’re not cheap.