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Work

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Original poster

ANOTHER PHASED RETURN TO WORK ISSUE sorry long!

32 replies

loopyredangel · 20/02/2007 22:09

Hi fellow mumsnetters, been having problems with work since my maternity ended and went on the sick 13 months ago! I have pelvis problem and find it very difficult to cope with day to day tasks, need help looking after the baby - going shopping etc. My boss has been putting pressure on me for ages to get back to work, my consultant has told him he can't predict when I am going to be well enough, but when I am I must be phased back in as he can't see me being able to return to full time duties. My boss wanted me to go back yesterday but I can't move without pain. Went for a meeting last week and felt bullied into saying I would go back, I am physically not capable, just don't know where I stand, it's bad enough I can't look after son and do fun things with him let alone the pressures from working! HELP PLEASE!!!!!

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Tortington · 20/02/2007 22:13

i dunno but there are some shit hot peeps on here hot someone helps

LowFatMilkshake · 20/02/2007 22:14

I work in an Occ Health Dept, where we advise managers on how to manage phased returns.

Before you even discuss this you need to know when you want to start your return. From this point onwads you needs to work with you manager to decide at what pace you will return.

You've had a lot of time off and still being in pain I would suggest you perhaps try just a couple of house twice a week. But don't start this until you are ready. And also make you manager aware if you find it too much you may need to rethink again.

LowFatMilkshake · 20/02/2007 22:15

hours not house.

let me know if you want to run through some work patterns etc.

LowFatMilkshake · 20/02/2007 22:16

And you need to have a work station assesment to make sure you have equipment to support you, such as chair, and other postural aids.

Original poster

loopyredangel · 20/02/2007 23:04

THank you so much for your help, the last time I went to Occ Health they said "What the hell are you doing here?" and sent me home! My bosss is expecting me to build up to five mornings a week by the end of May aand then back full time!!!! He's not mentioned anything about a work station assessment so I will bring that up, all he has done has moved me out of my office, which is via an extra set of heavy fire doors.
I had SPD while I was pregnant, then when DS was 10 months old they decided to do an xray to find that my pelvis had split and has wear and tear on it, so I crunch and click constantly! Thought I would give you a little background.

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LowFatMilkshake · 21/02/2007 08:01

You need to make sure you are not being pressured in to this, stand your ground.

For someone who has been off work for such a long time, even getting back in to a routine of getting out the door on time can be huge (although this is normally more associated with people who have been off for sufering stress).

Although just to go back into the workplace for anyone who's been off a long time can be daunting, and your boss needs to understand this. You have a lot of big steps to take.

Ask your GP to support you as your company may insist on writing to them (ours does)

Original poster

loopyredangel · 21/02/2007 11:42

I have got the support from my GP but boss won't get in touch with GP, he insists on getting in touch with consultant only!!!

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incy · 21/02/2007 12:17

Don't really understand your boss - if your consultant says you are not ready to return then your work would be mad to try and force you back.

In the worst case scenario, If you did go back you could write a letter saying you felt pressured into going back and your consultant had not advised it (which they would presumably back up).

Then, if you have a re-lapse you could blame work and presumably sue them because they forced you back against medical advice (why they would be mad to do it).

I think tbh your boss is treading on dangerous ground. A quick conversation with HR/occupational therapy should sort this out. Explain how you're feeling (pressured)and as long as your consultant backs you up they will back off. Perhaps avoid dealing with your boss in future and communicate via HR if this is possible.

detoxdiva · 21/02/2007 12:29

Your boss is on dangerous ground. Do you have a HR manager with you at these meetings? If your doctor has said he can't give you a return to work date, then your boss shouldn't be putting pressure on you to return. Rather he should be contacting your gp for advice about what he considers you CAN do, ie, different roles etc, and what sort of hours he thinks you could work safely.

I work in HR and then my next course of action would be to invite you in for a company medical - they can often be more specific to the job you do, and often make recommendations about adjustments to your job role that haven't been thought of before.

Your boss should be doing all he can to make 'reasonable adjustments' to enable you to return to work, and not pressurising you.

Original poster

loopyredangel · 21/02/2007 12:44

We don't have an HR manager and the only other person that attends the meetings we have had is admin assistant to take minutes. I ahve drafted a letter to my boss telling him I feel pressured and my concerns of causing more damage. The whole situation is getting me down, Ijust wish I could wave a magic wand and be fit and well, just to do normal day to day things without pain would be lovely.

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incy · 21/02/2007 12:53

Is there a more senior manager you could talk to? Basically, anyone with any HR knowledge would not recommend pressuring someone to return to work against medical advice. The implications if you have a relapse would be horrendous (possible pay out from them).

Failing this, I think a letter from you or your consultant is your only option. Have you explained to the consultant what is going on?

Original poster

loopyredangel · 21/02/2007 13:01

My consultant knows the situation, and has sent 2 reports to my boss, he now says its upto us to liase he said I would know when my body is right to go back. My GP also says its too soon, and would give me three weeks before I end up back on my crutches, I just can't take that risk. When I am out and about I tend to use my pushchair for support, so I am not sure how I will cope unaided in work!

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Original poster

loopyredangel · 21/02/2007 13:03

I wasn't well enough to go in on Monday, and phoned early and left a message, low and behold the next day I got a letter to tell me if Iam not well enough to go in on Thursday that I ought to phone him directly between the hours of 9 to 5. It's all becoming very petty. I don't particularly want to talk to him at the moment because of all the hassle I am getting.

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hertsnessex · 21/02/2007 13:06

can you afford to resign? guess your on sick pay?

Original poster

loopyredangel · 21/02/2007 13:09

yes we are managing on my DH income, but I don't feel I should be forced to resign, if they want me out let them sack me! I am now on Incapacity Benefit and they don't want sick notes anymore, they didn't even give me a review because they know the situation.

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incy · 21/02/2007 13:11

What about speaking to the Citizens advice or ACAS.

Original poster

loopyredangel · 21/02/2007 13:17

I briefly outlined the situation to ACAS, and they said I should not feel forced to going back, but the company is entitled to sack me on medical grounds! I loved my job, and really would like to return to it when I am able, all he seems to be worried about and keeps telling me at the meetings is the guy who is covering 16 hours of my work load is coming upto the 2 year mark and will be entitled to permanent employee rights and my boss is having to find the time to do my other 20hours workload! That makes me feel guilty for being ill!

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incy · 21/02/2007 13:38

It is a difficult situation because if you don't want your work to sack you on medical grounds (ie you are unfit to do your job) you will have to continue to be seen as reasonable and co-operative.

However, you are saying that when you do make contact and discuss the situation they put you under pressure.

You need to keep in regular contact with work and you will have to keep them updated as to your situation. If you are uncomfortable dealing with your boss then could you request someone else. If not, you will have to be firm with him and keep stressing that you want to return to work but can only do so when able.

TBH they probably want you either to resign or come back to work as if they sack you they run the risk of a tribunal.

detoxdiva · 21/02/2007 13:46

They can dismiss on medical grounds (capability), but they have to have followed all the correct procedures and shown that they have done all they can do enable you to return to work (ie. reduced shifts, different days, changes to role, etc).

I completely see your pov, but you have to remember that they are running a business, and a staff member on long term sick for this length of time has it's own impact on the running of their department. There has to come a time where they simply cannot keep you on with no indication of when you are going to be back.

However, it doesn't sound like this guy is following procedures, and it certainly doesn't sound like the company is doing all it can to enble you to come back to work. What would you like to see them offer you? Have you got any ideas about the kind of work you can do and they hours you could manage?

Original poster

loopyredangel · 21/02/2007 13:59

They have offered to reduce my hours but expect me to be doing full time come June, they have said I can do data inputting instead of my usual duties but my doctor still thinks its too much too soon, and I just don't want to take the risk of causing more damage. I just wish I was fit and able then I wouldn't be getting stressed out about the whole situation.

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hertsnessex · 21/02/2007 15:48

Could you work doing any of the hours from home?

detoxdiva · 21/02/2007 16:11

It's good that they've offered you a data entry job. What are their reasons for not letting you do p/t hours to begin with?

incy · 21/02/2007 16:21

If your doctor will certify that it is too much then you should be alright - perhaps he/she could advise how much you should be doing. I think at this stage it may begood to be seen as wanting to do some hours even if it was only 1/2 an hour a day. I think your work just need to know that you are committed to the job to it is important to stress this every time you communicate with them.

Original poster

loopyredangel · 21/02/2007 16:48

I have told them from day one, how much I want to keep my job, and that is one of the reasons for not rushing back too soon, I don't want to go back and discover I can't cope and have to leave!
They know how much I love my job and I am keen to get back when the time is right.
I don't know what the reasons are for not doing part time, I think they expect me to get better and return to my former duties - this is something that isn't going to happen! They will allow me to build my hours up until June then I will be expected to do full time as before - I am a fundraiser so we are always out and about, lifting things for events etc, so it is good of them to change my duties to the desk, but it is what will be expected of me come June.

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Original poster

loopyredangel · 21/02/2007 19:08

I am resiging myself to the fact that it may be best just to resign and give them what they want. I have got other skills I can use elsewhere and in my own time and at my own pace - I am a trained interior design and artist, and I was thinking about doing paintings for kids rooms if things didn't work out well with my pelvis.
I guess this is a message to make the most of the talents I have got!
What do you think?

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