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Original poster

Cancer and reasonable adjustments

35 replies

user9018746 · 11/04/2021 19:58

After a bit of advice
We are a team of 8, covering roles in two different departments. One department is a lot less stressful and easier workload than the other. We spread our shifts evenly so that we cover the two departments equally. We all get paid the same wage.
A member of staff returned to work 12 weeks ago after a cancer diagnosis. We were told that she would be just working the less stressful department for a few weeks.
Since she has returned she has stayed on the less stressful department. Our manager is on sick leave so no guidance from him. Some of my colleagues have started to get quite nasty about the situation because we all get paid the same and they see her having the easy role. They think that he should now move between departments.
I just wondered how long reasonable adjustments have to be considered for. Feel so sorry for colleague she has been through a lot and don't want people starting been bitchy to her.

OP posts:
Workinghardeveryday · 11/04/2021 20:03

I am reading this right?! Fucking hell. She has cancer. She should have the easy roll until she sees fit physically and mentally to move between both roles! Those in your department being difficult should be ashamed.

RandomMess · 11/04/2021 20:04

Would they rather she was off sick and they had to cover her work?

Piptastic · 11/04/2021 20:06

Shame on your colleagues! Poor woman has enough "stress" from her diagnosis without the stress of the more busy department. Horrible colleagues, horrible attitude

Troyhelena · 11/04/2021 20:10

Colleagues sound utterly awful and ought to be ashamed of themselves

1boo1 · 11/04/2021 20:15

Never usually comment on posts like this but can't help myself. Your colleagues sounds like absolute dicks. How dare they bitch about someone who has cancer having an easier job (and the fact they are paid the same.. Do they want her wages docked? Kick her whilst she's down?). They should thank their lucky stars thay have an easy LIFE.
What she would trade to be healthy and not have cancer!

purpleme12 · 11/04/2021 20:15

That's awful
I wouldn't begrudge someone having an easier role for what sounds like an awful time

F1rstt1imer · 11/04/2021 20:21

Your team sound delightful! Such a supportive environment, I’m surprised she hasn’t needed more time off if this is how she is treated by the team. Her reasonable adjustments are none of your business. If I was your manager I would be telling your whole team this and that they should worry about doing their own roles rather that why other people are doing.

F1rstt1imer · 11/04/2021 20:23

Just to add to this to answer your actual question, reasonable adjustments can be for a few days or permanent and that is absolutely none of your business,

Mintjulia · 11/04/2021 20:26

Your other colleagues are small minded, bitter and selfish.They should be ashamed of themselves.
The colleague in question is fighting cancer! She may be extremely tired. She may have a lowered immune system, she may be recovering from surgery. Regardless she will also be dealing with the psychological impact of the diagnosis.Fear. Depression. She'll get 12 hours sleep and wake up exhausted.
I am impressed that she is in work at all.She is worth 20 of her colleagues.

Nhsisfucked · 11/04/2021 20:27

I bet she works for the NHS! They are the worst!

Troyhelena · 11/04/2021 20:28

@Nhsisfucked funnily enough...I thought exactly the same

Chesneyhawkes1 · 11/04/2021 20:30

Wow. I had cancer last year. I was allowed to stay at home on full pay for as long as I needed.

I'm back now and all my colleagues have been lovely. They were lovely when I was off. Sent me treats, messaged etc.

I'm so glad I work with lovely people

EdithWeston · 11/04/2021 20:41

They rest of the department sound bloody horrible.

Reasonable adjustments stay in place for as long as they are needed.

The amount of time to be back to adequate (let alone normal) is highly variable, depending on what the cancer is, how extensive the treatment and the individual's response to treatment. And that's aside from the psychological impact.

Her needs do need to be reviewed from time to time, but unless your line manager is going to be off for a considerable time, this is something that can wait for his return

MichelleScarn · 11/04/2021 20:44

Your whiney colleagues are scum. How dare they moan about this. Its disgusting- are they jealous someone is having a 'less stressful' (note not stress free!) role while dealing with cancer. Juvenile arseholes.

MichelleScarn · 11/04/2021 20:48

I'm actually raging at this given one of my wonderful colleagues is at end stage mets at 25.
How can the other people in your work bring this up as a topic of a moan. Anyone who did this for my work would be flayed. They should be ashamed.

Original poster
user9018746 · 11/04/2021 20:54

@MichelleScarn

I'm actually raging at this given one of my wonderful colleagues is at end stage mets at 25. How can the other people in your work bring this up as a topic of a moan. Anyone who did this for my work would be flayed. They should be ashamed.
So sorry to hear about your colleague Flowers

Yes they should be ashamed they are vile.

My colleague has just been given the all clear but like pp said its the psychological impact.

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 11/04/2021 21:00

@Nhsisfucked

I bet she works for the NHS! They are the worst!
Agreed ! I work with people affected by cancer and it's always the NHS workers that are treated abysmally !
Happytentoes · 11/04/2021 21:01

Psychological but could be physical. It took me about a year to get over the physical side of treatment - I struggled to eat, very fatigued, aches and pains.
Your colleagues are dreadful.

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 11/04/2021 21:09

Fuck me.

If my colleague returned after having (or still with) cancer, I'd insist on taking their share of the stressful work and giving them the non stressful part of mine.

MichelleScarn · 11/04/2021 21:45

Thanks op, we are all devastated by this and would be ecstatic to be able to have her return in remission. Can your colleagues not see this?!
I'm glad yours has someone like you supporting them

JellyBabiesFan · 11/04/2021 21:48

Until treatment has finished and they have the all clear.

Ask the moaning fucks if they would rather have an easier job and cancer or their current job and good health.

Horrible people.

constantlyexhausted00 · 12/04/2021 18:20

@JellyBabiesFan

Until treatment has finished and they have the all clear.

Ask the moaning fucks if they would rather have an easier job and cancer or their current job and good health.

Horrible people.

I don't think it's till after the all clear, I thought cancer was a protected illness under the equality act.
BunnyRuddington · 12/04/2021 18:24

My reasonable adjustments are permanent, although fir a different reason and my colleagues support me, really support me.

So glad I'm not working with your colleagues.

BashfulClam · 14/04/2021 09:05

Her reasonable adjustment is private. It’s between her and your manager. Would you all like to sit in on her 121 too? Why don’t people just get on with their own work rather than bitching like cliquey teenagers.

animalcrossingfanatic · 15/04/2021 17:32

Can I just ask are all cancers covered under the equality act? Just asking as some are easier to deal with than others.

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