Can work force you to use your holiday allowence for hospital appointments?

[June79]

Also do you have to diaslose what is said in an appointment with your diabetes specialist or any other appointment for that matter regarding your diabetes if your employer requests it. It seems my employer is in a one sided power struggle and is trying to use everything he can to make my work life unpleasant. Please help me gain a little leverage as its becoming very hard to come to work knowing I'll be hauld in the office for something. He's tried everything else now he seems to be using my diabetes against me... please I'd appreciate any info.
Thanks

 

[mrman]

if you have time off for medical appointments most employers are understanding and either let you have the time off. However not always the case in which they can ask sure the you're time off to be unpaid/worked back. Don't think you can be forced to use holidays but the alternative would be unpaid.
As for your employer requesting what has been discussed with you consultant/dsn, ask for it to be requested in writing. That way you have got proof it was asked for should it turn out to be illegal (which I think it is) citizens advice should be able to clarify that one.

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[Pogo175]

Hi, you should ask for your manager to request this in writing to you and the reason he needs this information. Do you have an occupational health department, if so contact them and tell them your manager is requesting this information and ask them to deal with the manager on your behalf.

 

[mo1905]

They cannot force you to use annual leave but they are not obliged to pay you although many do. As to whether you have to disclose medical info, depends on your profession and employer I guess. I work for Fire Service and have no choice. As Brett said, get it inwriting


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[patjenkins1]

Some employers ask you to make the time up, either by working late or shorter lunch breaks. As for asking what had been discussed at the appointment , it could be that they are trying to find out if you need any special requirements. For example I need to toilet more than most people but a letter from my go meant that I cannot be brought to task over it


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[patjenkins1]

That should have said a letter from my gp


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[Nik442]

If you have a contract of employment then check what it says about disclosure of medical information. Quite often contracts include something about this.

Nik

 

[June79]

Cheers guys you have been really helpful. I only work in a coffee shop. I've had trouble since he started to take over the running of the business from his dad. Its been a nightmare. I got put on an insulin pump 5yr ago and it was thought by them that I was cured and would need no more treatment. 20yrs of poor control have started to take its toll and now I have to have more time for hospital appointments and unfortunately sick days. The moment that set all this off was a few weeks ago I had changed my set then went to work as usual but unfortunately it had kinked and I received no insulin for 5hrs which sent by bloods up over 30mmol/l and ended up with ketones and it took a few days to get everything back on an even keel. This essentially resulted in me being invited to the office to have an 'informal' chat, but it actually came across more as a disciplinary. And since then I have been invited to the office twice more.
I have never had a problem before regarding my diabetes and I feel like its all my fault. And its really starting to get me down.

 

[Omnipod]

As a diabetic, you are protected by the disability discrimination act so if you need time off for a hospital visit, your employer should not discriminate against you by forcing you to take the time off your holiday.

https://www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under-equality-act-2010

 

[Mud Island Dweller]

Also if he wants a chat tell him you need to record it and use your phone. lf he objects you want someone in with you or you dont go and make sure you take notes and offer to copy them for him and signed by you him and friend...if record on phone he can have a copy.
Always be the reaso able one

 

[Mud Island Dweller]

lf he refuses to sign and/or read the notes...make a note on them about it

 

[douglas99]

It sounds like he's just a t**t.
But, he could play the health and safety issue, trying to ensure your safety in the workplace.
If you are at risk of hypo/hyper, in a coffee shop, with scalding liquids, he has a duty of care to you, and the customers.
He can ask you if you are safe, and could decide to move you away from the "danger". You are not obliged to prove you are safe to still work where you used to, but only you can decide if a "new" job would be permanent, or if he's that bright.
You are allowed unpaid leave for hospital appointments.

 

[June79]

Thanks for all your advise, all really useful and informative. I love my job, I love working! Thank you all again xx