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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:
EdithWeston · 15/04/2021 17:36

Yes, they are by definition.

But what is reasonable depends on the specific cancer and the individual person

TitsOot4Xmas · 15/04/2021 17:42

@user9018746

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.
They’ll be entitled to reasonable adjustments (which can change) for the rest of their natural life under the Disability definitions of the Equality Act 2010.

You’re welcome.

animalcrossingfanatic · 15/04/2021 17:46

@EdithWeston

Yes, they are by definition.

But what is reasonable depends on the specific cancer and the individual person

Ok thank you, I had a cancer that was fairly easy to treat (no chemo or radiation) and you can't tell I have been ill but I suffer badly with fatigue which I have been told could last a long time.
CovidCorvid · 15/04/2021 17:51

Wow, she should be able to be in that role until she feels she no longer needs to be. If her manager thinks she’s stringing it out that’s for them to deal with.

IndieKate · 26/04/2021 23:13

The poor woman! As if dealing with cancer isn't bad enough.

Once you have been diagnosed with cancer you are considered to have a protected characteristic under the equality act. Her reasonable adjustments should be in place for as long as she needs them.

Your colleagues behaviour is shocking. I hope she hasn't heard any of it. She would be in a strong position to go to HR and complain so they should be very careful what they say. They should also be ashamed of themselves.

GreyhoundG1rl · 26/04/2021 23:18

God, they sound utterly shitty.
I don't understand about the less stressful department, though? Surely it has to be staffed by somebody, or do people usually move through it on rotation?

SandboxSally · 27/04/2021 00:02

Wow what arseholes ! Poor women.

Reasonable adjustments can be permanent. I don't work shifts (all other staff do) because I have MS and Epilepsy. Nope of my colleagues have a problem with it.

NewPage · 30/04/2021 20:10

Could I just thank all the wonderful people on here that have responded with so much thought and kindness.
I will be that person returning to a highly stressful job, full of mostly tossers, most of whom haven’t contacted me once during very difficult cancer treatments. I would LOVE the option of doing something less stressful, even for a few weeks.
To hear there are compassionate people out there who get it gives me hope!
To OP, treat this person with compassion and kindness. No matter how they may appear they may be living with permanent side effects, will never know if the cancer is gone or can come back at any time and depending on their circumstances may have the guilt of not being their for their kids, partners, family etc if anything else happens. The headmess this does to you is indescribable.
As others have said, do the moaners want to trade their ‘stressful’ jobs for a cancer diagnosis.....nope think not!

MissyB1 · 30/04/2021 20:13

@Nhsisfucked

I bet she works for the NHS! They are the worst!
Yep Dh is a hospital consultant, when he got his cancer diagnosis some of his colleagues moaned because he came off the on call rota.
purpleme12 · 30/04/2021 20:24

@missyB1 that's so sad ☹️

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