HR involvement

[Waterhorse46]

So. I have been undergoing investigation for the c word. They’re checking physically next time. Anyway. I asked work for a self referral to occupy health. Work have for back to me and said that they think that an occupational health self referral may not be needed under the grounds that I can be signposted elsewhere in other directions and have suggested I book a meeting with HR.

I was advised by the union to ask for the referral for my own protections as work have been demanding more and more off me. Can they refuse to put you in touch with occupational health when you’re undergoing such investigations? I’m unsure how it works.

Sorry I don’t understand what HR are investigating you for? What’s that C word?

I don’t think they have to accept a self referral as they will be paying for the service. Why wouldn’t you see what HR offer before getting upset?

Cancer.

I think the OH referral would only be useful if you are diagnosed and stay in work, or if you are diagnosed and are off sick for a bit and then come back to work. So in short, I think work are right and an OH referral is premature.

Either way, I hope you don’t need one.

You can't demand an oh referral, although it's a bit unhelpful of them to refuse if you think it would be helpful.

They e suggested HR can signpost you to other support - and you can also raise your work demands and any adjustments you think you need with them. If you do get diagnosed with cancer you'll then be covered by the Equalities Act and they might be more inclined to agree to a referral.

OH is about how your health affects your ability to attend work. They can't really help until you know what you're dealing with. There is no treatment available with them. You might see them when you're due to return after a long period of sickness. To talk about phased hours or adjustments you might need.

Why do you need an occupational health referral for medical investigations?

You don't need a diagnosis of anything to have a referral to Occupational Health, usually it's based on symptoms that are impacting your ability to work effectively. Just going for investigations wouldn't usually mean you need a referral, unless the symptoms are causing issues.

Do you have terms and conditions available (online or written) that describe how the OH referral works at your organisation? For most I've worked at, it's either self-referral or your line manager agrees it. Who at your work suggested HR instead?

I told the union. They then suggested it. My body is struggling at times with tiredness and my job is really demanding which places unnecessary strain on me at times and I’ve been bullied at times by management. My union said get the OH referral to remain protected while investigations are happening and see what adjustmenfnfs can be made.

It’s quite unusual for someone with cancer to be refused an OH assessment. It could be useful in assessing reasonable adjustments OP might need.

Go back to union rep and explain you have been refused, please can they help you escalate?

@Zempy
The op hasn’t been diagnosed. She is having tests.

I would go to the hr meeting, explain about the fatigue and the cancer investigations and ask for what you think would be useful in terms of accommodations.

Either they will allow the accommodations, or they will refuse. If they refuse is the time to ask for occupational health support..

Ahh sorry, I totally misunderstood your post. It sounded like you were being investigated for a HR issue, not medical.

As the others have said. They haven’t said they won’t support you. Just other routes to explore first. We have employee assistance programs that would be more useful first for example.

Don't you just need a sick note from your GP if you are unable to work because of symptoms that might be related to cancer? You can't really expect anyone to do much about potential cancer, which hopefully it won't be. If you get a diagnosis of cancer or other long term illness and a prognosis you can start to discuss the impact on your job with whoever is appropriate. It seems pretty premature to be discussing all of this with your Union too.

I got an OH referral as soon as my MS symptoms started, before MS was even on the table. So I'm baffled why people think this wouldn't be appropriate for cancer?

If it's causing you issues in work, then they should be happy that you want an OH referral.

HR usually would instruct the OH process, they might need to have a meeting with you prior to initiate this. There is nothing wrong in talking to the HR team, I would suggest it.

The union is due to bullying and the PH was advised by the rep.

Yeah see the issue is. I’ve been experiencing billing and being reduced to tears. Union said OH is more of a protective preventative thing to keep me safe during a tough time.