Work changing my role

Sausagesfordinner · 2022-10-18T18:01:00+00:00

I'm increasingly struggling with my NHS job. I work in a clinical but largely office-based job and due to staffing issues, I'm being told to work shift hours instead 1 day a week (out of 3 I work) and as an HCA type role. I have no passed Occ Health clearance for that role and I don't think I would as I have rheumatism and back issues. I know that I could take this further and I do have union membership but I also know that if I do there will forever be an atmosphere and proving constructive dismissal when they make things thoroughly unpleasant is nigh on impossible. Don't know what I want really. It just all feels really shit to be employed to do one thing, told to do another (a role I didn't want) and not really to be able to do anything about it. They'll give me basic support so I can't refuse on grounds of competency. It just makes me feel really undervalued though I know that it's happening because of the crisis point we've reached with staffing issues.

DoodlePug · 18/10/2022 19:14

I'm assuming you don't see an end to this? Not just filling in for a couple of weeks?

Obviously you already know that they can't make you do this, and also that they can make life unpleasant if you're seen to be unhelpful.

Did you say anything about not being fit for the role, without sounding obstructive as in 'happy to help, will this only be for a few shifts? Im not sure my back will last out longer term' then you're opening asking for occ health and getting turned down, or going off sick (not helpful I know) forcing a change.

Or you start looking for a different role now.

I'm so sorry this is happening, so many good and dedicated people suffering after years of under funding.

Quveas · 18/10/2022 19:31

Sorry but it isn't remotely clear whether they are able to describe this as your existing job. You say that you are largely office based, so that means you aren't office based. It's impossible to comment on such sparse details.

That said, if you aren't willing to deal with this, then you have two choices - do it or resign.

Original poster

Sausagesfordinner · 18/10/2022 20:15

DoodlePug · 18/10/2022 19:14

I'm assuming you don't see an end to this? Not just filling in for a couple of weeks?

Obviously you already know that they can't make you do this, and also that they can make life unpleasant if you're seen to be unhelpful.

Did you say anything about not being fit for the role, without sounding obstructive as in 'happy to help, will this only be for a few shifts? Im not sure my back will last out longer term' then you're opening asking for occ health and getting turned down, or going off sick (not helpful I know) forcing a change.

Or you start looking for a different role now.

I'm so sorry this is happening, so many good and dedicated people suffering after years of under funding.

Aah, thank you. Yes I did mention my health. It's at least until the new year.

OP posts:

Original poster

Sausagesfordinner · 18/10/2022 20:17

Quveas · 18/10/2022 19:31

Sorry but it isn't remotely clear whether they are able to describe this as your existing job. You say that you are largely office based, so that means you aren't office based. It's impossible to comment on such sparse details.

That said, if you aren't willing to deal with this, then you have two choices - do it or resign.

I know. I can't resign though as I can't pay the bills without my income. I have already started to look for another job but not much out there above minimum wage. I guess my choices are do it (and possibly get ill and have to stop extra curricular stuff which involves movement as there is only so much can do) or make a fuss and be hated. It's shit.

OP posts:

Quveas · 19/10/2022 18:00

Sausagesfordinner · 18/10/2022 20:17

I know. I can't resign though as I can't pay the bills without my income. I have already started to look for another job but not much out there above minimum wage. I guess my choices are do it (and possibly get ill and have to stop extra curricular stuff which involves movement as there is only so much can do) or make a fuss and be hated. It's shit.

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Don't get me wrong - I have severe arthritis so on a personal level I sympathise - but your employer doesn't care about your bills or what extra- curricular stuff you do outside work. And I've been in the "fight and not be popular" position. But those people don't give a s**t about you.

Being honest and neutral, I don't have a clue whether you are being reasonable or not. But the NHS rarely ignores what occupational health says. And you say you are in union? So stand the f* up for yourself!

And if you won't then you have no options. Why should you care what others think? It's work, not life...

Original poster

Sausagesfordinner · 19/10/2022 18:28

Quveas · 19/10/2022 18:00

Don't get me wrong - I have severe arthritis so on a personal level I sympathise - but your employer doesn't care about your bills or what extra- curricular stuff you do outside work. And I've been in the "fight and not be popular" position. But those people don't give a s**t about you.

Being honest and neutral, I don't have a clue whether you are being reasonable or not. But the NHS rarely ignores what occupational health says. And you say you are in union? So stand the f* up for yourself!

And if you won't then you have no options. Why should you care what others think? It's work, not life...

Show quote history

Good advice, thanks. Perhaps I am putting too much stock in what people think - it's not healthy to care about the thoughts of people whose actions stink!

OP posts:

FivePotatoesHigh · 19/10/2022 18:37

Sounds like an occupational health referral might be a good starting point