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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Return to Work Meeting

36 replies

TrailMonkey · 21/07/2020 08:27

I have a return to work meeting today. I am so nervous about it - HR have been invited. I was ill with Covid and was then furloughed, been back at work for a couple of weeks now working part time in a different role so already feeling quite "work isolated". Was supposed to go back 8 weeks ago but they extended my furlough with no explanation. I have a pretty sick sinking feeling in my stomach as when I was ill last year for three weeks I never had such a meeting.

My line manager also appears to really dislike me / my opinion and is pretty open about it which is not helping me feel at ease.

Just need a little hand hold please?

OP posts:
MrsToothyBitch · 21/07/2020 08:32

I'd be terrified too. It could be because you've switched roles, were furloughed for so long or you had Covid- which a lot of people struggle with for ages afterwards. So it might not be negative.

Wrt your line manager, can you keep a log of what they say or do? Is anyone else around & able to pick up on it?

Calic0 · 21/07/2020 08:38

Return to work meetings should be standard practice and all about putting things in place to help you (if you need help or reasonable adjustments). So try and look on the positive side - it could be a good opportunity. Hope all goes well!

Original poster
TrailMonkey · 21/07/2020 09:00

Thank you.

Yes - with LM there have been people around but they are too scared to speak up as LM has form for getting rid of people / claiming it's due to a protected characteristic they have...

OP posts:
Marmalady75 · 21/07/2020 09:07

Pretty standard to have a return to work meeting. I’m surprised you didn’t have one last time. Try to stay calm and see it as part of the job.

SapphosRock · 21/07/2020 09:12

Try not to worry, as others have said it is pretty standard. I had to have months off work in my last pregnancy due to all sorts of complications and was nervous of the back to work meeting but it was just a formality and not scary at all.

Chloemol · 21/07/2020 09:24

We always had return to work meetings after illness. It was to discuss what help could be provided and for those who had high sickness levels to understand what they were doing to get well

Time4change2018 · 21/07/2020 09:29

Ask for a colleague or union rep of yours to be present to note take for you.
Go in yourself with a notepad of questions regarding the meeting and why your role has changed, keep it friendly and calm but slow the talking down and write notes while there if you don't have someone with you.
Covid is a notifiable disease and therefore should be disregarded from your attendance management record.

Original poster
TrailMonkey · 21/07/2020 09:32

Covid is a notifiable disease and therefore should be disregarded from your attendance management record.

Oh, thanks for this. All of my other abscences (including ITU admission) have been for a medical condition which is classed/covered as a disability. Have literally never had a day of for a "duvet day" or run of the mill abscence. Actually have never had a day off when I haven't actually been in hospital...

I really hate being in this position and feeling worried about this all the time.

Thank you for the calming thoughts!

OP posts:
Original poster
TrailMonkey · 21/07/2020 12:10

Was really awful. Just feel so sad.

OP posts:
tierneytarny · 21/07/2020 12:12

@TrailMonkey oh no, I’m sorry to hear this. If it wasn’t fair etc, maybe contacting your union (if you have one!). Sending positive thoughts and hugs.

October2020 · 21/07/2020 12:13

I'm sorry it didn't go well. Lots of people here to listen if you want to talk about it.

tierneytarny · 21/07/2020 12:16

Just realised I put an exclamation mark in my post (didn’t mean to). Some jobs/ professions don’t have unions (mine doesn’t and it’s infuriating).
Hope you’re ok Xx

hardheadedwoman · 21/07/2020 12:19

Oh no what happened?

Newnamenewopenme · 21/07/2020 12:36

What was bad about it?

GotGameByThePound · 21/07/2020 12:48

What happened?

Batmanandbobbin · 21/07/2020 12:49

I hope you’re okay Flowers

Original poster
TrailMonkey · 21/07/2020 13:00

It felt like it turned into a disciplinary and I was asked to confirm whether my disability would cause sick days in the future PLUS it wasn't really noted that I had covid (probably) it was not the disability (although was shielding due the disability). I just feel really miserable. I always make up my time if I am ill, and I always make up my time if i am attending appointments etc. during work hours (even though we don't have to, my Line Manager always makes a big deal and I feel guilty about it).

My line manager has been saying for a few months how they line manage people out of the team they don't like and I am wondering if that is what is maybe happening. It is a really awful feeling though.

Definitely going to contact the Union (Unions I am in two), to ask for advice and guidance.

OP posts:
Todaythiscouldbe · 21/07/2020 13:05

So did you have confirmed Covid or did you self isolate with symptoms? Also, you say you were shielding, do you have a letter confirming this?
Definitely speak to the union.

SospanFrangipan · 21/07/2020 13:17

OP, can you request they refer you to Occupational Health? They will then get a report regarding your health complications with ways in which to assist you at work.

Original poster
TrailMonkey · 21/07/2020 13:30

@Todaythiscouldbe Yes, I have a letter confirming I was shielding. I was not tested for COVID as the hospital I was in actually was only testing ITU patients who were in for more than 24 hours at the time I was admitted.

@SospanFrangipan I have seen OH already and they suggested some accomodation (like not travelling at peak time in flu season due to taking immunosupressing medications and not having to take my lunch at the busiest time of the day for my work/job role in terms of customer interaction)... Though HR actually said today they didn't suggest anything so maybe they took those bits out?

I am (when I don't have COVID) fine on a day to day basis but when the medical disability kicks in it becomes life threatening very quickly and I have no choice but to go to hospital (or risk my life).

OP posts:
SospanFrangipan · 21/07/2020 13:32

You should have received a copy of the report that was created. If not, request one directly from the OH provider. And ask for a follow up appointment x

Original poster
TrailMonkey · 21/07/2020 13:42

I just got the report now! They did put in the suggested adjustments!

OP posts:
Jux · 21/07/2020 14:11

Your LM sounds ghastly. Good luck with the Unions.

user1294625849274 · 21/07/2020 14:16

I'm sorry. The way disabled people are treated in our culture is disgusting.

Nat6999 · 21/07/2020 15:11

Always take a union rep with you if you can, that is what you pay your union subscriptions for.

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