Hi. I've worked as a retail manager for the same company for the last six years and have an unblemished work record and have always gone above and beyond.
I suffer from several chronic health conditions, asthma, depression and Crohns but have always managed to stay well enough to take no sickness during my first five years with the company.
However since last October I have had a period of really poor health, acute attacks of all these conditions leading to a period of long term sickness from October to December and a week long absence with a nasty bout of flu in February. I was referred to occupational health for the long term sickness absence and the doctor agreed that my illness had been exacerbated by the stressful working conditions. Since the company introduced the living wage 18 months ago, my team has been slashed to almost nothing. I have one part time assistant meaning for four days a week I'm running the store which is very busy alone, no chance for a toilet break never mind lunch. By the time everything has been done I'm working 9/10 hours a day but am only paid for 7. The OH doctor recommended several reasonable adjustments including a phased return and provision for me to be able to take breaks. On my return none of this was put in place apart from a very brief phased return where I was constantly bombarded with questions from my line manager about was I ready to go full time yet as my phased return was impacting the business negatively.
In February I caught flu and was off work for a week then dragged myself back to work in spite of having trouble breathing. I assumed it was just a leftover of flu and would clear up eventually. When I returned to work I had an informal meeting with my line manager who seemed sympathetic and we agreed I should have no absence for four months.
However, a week later I woke up one morning with chest pains and unable to breathe. I felt awful, I couldn't speak and my daughter took me to A&E. I was kept in for various tests and was told I had a chest infection and prescribed antibiotics and painkillers. I took 2 days off on that occasion until the meds kicked in and I felt well enough to go back.
Last week I had a formal meeting with my line manager and someone from HR and was given a first formal written warning. I understand that people sometimes take liberties and sickness will inevitably impact on a business that's being run on a shoestring but I've worked for them for six years, I'm known as a hard worker and conscientious. I've always pitched in and done more than my share. I know there are procedures but I feel this is unfair considering working conditions have definitely contributed to my absences. It's also especially galling as they present themselves to the world as a caring, ethical company who always support their employees through hard times. I apologise for the essay and thank you if you've managed to plow your way through it. I didn't want to leave out anything important. I really need some advice as to whether I have grounds to appeal this decision or do I just suck it up?