Hi Cdean8780. Like others have said your union rep needs to go and do some reasearch.
I was diagnosed after being ill off work for 3 months with a Kidney infection and 3 large stones. When I did my return to work with our occupational health she assessed me learnt of my Type 2 DB and was well clued up on in and told my boss I needed a 4 week phased return to work. She also quoted in caps in her letter please be advised Mr xxxxx is covered under the Diabetes and Equality act 2010. The company I work for is a massive multinational blue chip company and they don't take things lightly when it comes to law.
Here is a small quote from the act it's says Type 1 but apparently it applies to Type 2's also as we're all at different levels.
The Equality Act 2010 protects people with type 1 diabetes from discrimination at work, and requires an employer to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees and job applicants who are disadvantaged as a result of their disability, like taking a short break to treat a hypo or check your blood glucose level.
Hope it helps get your union rep to read up and learn there role. There there to help and protect you.
@Voodoorising - To be fair, I believe that T2 is a bit of a muddy area when it comes to the Equality Act, with some challenges going to court for clarification. Again, I believe, employers are required to assess each individual on a case by case basis, as to be honest, people like myself certainly don't need any adjustments in order to manage my condition, but then I don't take insulin or other "heavy" meds, and although I do test, I don't see it ask something I require any thing special to do. Nor, thankfully, do I have any complications.
Those on insulin or other potentially aggressive blood sugar lowering medications, or with complications may require adjustments, depending upon their work environment and whether, for example, they are able to have their testing kit and other essentials close to hand on an ad hoc basis.
Many larger firms will err on the side of caution, rather than risk any potential for grievances or tribunal activity; due to a either a caring corporate culture or protection of their reputation as an employer.
I'm really very pleased that you are being very well looked after, and it would be so much better if all other employers adopted the same approach.
I really do hope you are able to find a way forward with all of this,
@Cdean8780 . The stress of it all won't be helping you out too much.
