Unfair?

[namechanged221]

Coming back to work after an illness, I've been told some of my responsibilities have been removed.

Is this fair if I didn't agree to job description changes?

Don't want to give too much detail, but I find it quite unfair.

On the surface it doesn't sound fair but you've not really told us too much detail here.

Why have they removed your responsibilities and how long were you off for?

Agree. More info needed.

if you were off for a week and this happened it would be hugely different to say being off for 9 months following a cancer diagnosis (my situation)

How long were you off sick?
Did the jobs need to be done when you weren't there?
Are you back full time?
Is your role actually changing or just less work to do?

Off sick for 20 mins or 3 years?

3 weeks

For me it depends on how long you’ve been off sick and also if they are doing it for your benefit , to lighten your workload.

I was off for 3 weeks

I thought changes to job description had to be agreed upon.

Wondering if anyone can advise, it seems unfair to me.

Job description are rarely contractual. If they aren't they can make changes to them and it is very unlikely that you could do anything about it. It's polite to consult, but they don't have to.

Why were they removed?

Does it significantly change your role? More than 50%?

Is your job description in your contract?

If not then why would you think any changes had to be agreed upon?

Have you asked the reason for the changes?

Would your employer have fair reason to believe that you would benefit from less responsibility? Sometimes people who have been off sick need less to do when they return for their own sake.

On a temporary or permanent basis? I came back from a month off sick and my boss took over some of the things I was responsible for. I was a bit pissed off but, ultimately, it was totally the right thing to do both in terms of the work and my health.

I’ve been on the other end of this. Are you likely to need to take leave again or more flexibility in future? Is the work of a nature where it needs a very set turnaround time? They should be very transparent about their decision but you may find it was for your own welfare as well as the needs of the team. Appreciate it’s unsettling but if a task would stress an individual with more going on outside of work and cause delays with clients then it often needs to be moved. Although should be done with your input and views. If none of this applies and was a one off sick leave then you should enquire what their reasoning was