Undisclosed disability, workload and bullying

[Princiepea]

I have worked in HE over the last ten years, and have developed a (full time) programme from the ground up, being employed on a fractional basis in the first instance to implement and develop the course. I have periodically managed to get the fraction increased, however it has been a fight every time; and with scant salaried staffing support, I hold most of the reponsibility. Itls an insitution that reiles heavily on gooodwill, and seems happy to take the line that because I care about my subject and the students I will continue to do the 'over and above'. This is in conrast to

• sorry!

In contrast to other departments at the college, and indeed other colleges in the UK where the staffing is usually 2 x full time staff members to do my job; and here I am doing it on a 0.8FTE. I's debilitating. I have recently written a new undergarduate course for them, in what I later found out was approximately a third of the time it should have taken, although was undermined in front of other collegaues by the Principal during this process for not having 'done enough work on it'. This went onto get a commedation for the quality of the work. I have asked for confirmation that I wil be paid appropriately for this new additon to my workload, and have been airily dismissed (by said Prinicipal) with "well..., it depends what you;re going to need and when you;re going to need it" after this had been made clear on paper. Its has also been said pointedly in meetings that "it's not a good time to be asking for more" when they are clearly asking for much, much more. I have been sent into difficult meetings with studetns with no other salaried academic staff present, and have now been told I am to be sent into a mediation process with a particular student. I was informed of this by the Principal, who had had a meeting with the student, and offered this process to the student without first checking with me, and in the admission that they had not heard my side. This combination of events ( this and others) has now lef me unwell and unable to work at the moment due to the mental distress. I am trying to work out my next steps. I am signed off for the next few weeks, and am in touch with HR and Union. There is another related issue, which is a hidden disability which although I mentioned to Occupational Health, have never asked for additionl help. I'm now wondering if I can go back at all; it's a toxic environment. This is in addition of working full time at home with two young chldren at home, and on the back on them making me feel guilty for my maternity leave ( I took a total of 8 months for both children, I could have had 2 years). This was used at one time to justify not increasing my pay to cover my workload, by a senior staff member ( now left) who told me "when people take things like maternity leave, college has to work out what it can afford". It now al feels like a big mess, and I dont know what to do next, whether to try and go back, or to get out on sick, or what....

I dont think a hidden disability not disclosed would have any recourse on previous behaviours. But if you were to mention it now they would need to adjust moving forward.

If you feel they are taking advantage of your skills then either cut back what you are doing to contracted minimum, and/or look for another job.

If your work hasn't been acknowledged or remunerated, it's a shame you put up with being taken advantage of for such a long time.

Itls an insitution that reiles heavily on gooodwill, and seems happy to take the line that because I care about my subject and the students I will continue to do the 'over and above'

the reality is that you continued to work in your role even though you aren't paid fairly and historically been 'put upon' and not respected. They think you'll keep putting up with it, because you always have and haven't mentioned anything - sorting these things out in the moment is always the best way to be recognised and respected.

It's a horrible feeling, dreading going back to work, and not good for your MH. If you are already signed off sick, you could decide to resign during your sick leave. Now would be good timing given where you are in the Academic year to try to secure something new for Sept, but don't resign until you have. As references are very important in academia, I would agree to part on good terms and get that reference 'into the bag'!