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DAFNE and time off work

Engineer88

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,130
Location
Wales
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Did anyone have problems getting time off for a DAFNE course?

Really annoyed as my manager said i could have the time as paid leave, then HR have said no its gotta be holiday Its actually a longer day for me to be on DAFNE and was hoping to have a day or two leave the next week to recover. This is really getting to me, what have others done? any advice?
 
I work for a large company with its own occupational health department and I discussed it with them. As the course is endorsed by my doctor I get it as sick leave
 
My employer is letting me have a week off fully paid for course in Nov. When I initially filled out the DAFNE paperwork, there was an option to tick box if you wanted them to write to your employer explaining the long term benefits of attending the course. Did you try this ? By law they do not have to pay you but if you possibly sat down with your manager and HR and explained all the benefits of attending course. More control over diabetes, hopefully less complications etc which could lead to long term future benefits for both employee and employer ! Nothing ventured.....
 


I took my time off as a holiday as my employer wouldn't have paid me otherwise, however some people who attended the course did get paid and didn't have to take it as leave/holidays.

There's a letter that you can request from the DAFNE course leaders, it details why the course is important for your health and how it might benefit the employer in the long-term, it does ask for the time off but doesn't say that this should be payed as this isn't compulsory, as ever it's discretionary and up to the gaffer :roll:
 
Yes I also work for a large company (1500+ at our site) and yes I've spoken to the nurse (absolutely useless!!)

I thought I had explained how useful and everything it was! Think I'll have another go tomorrow its just getting me down

Ive given the letter to both manager and HR manager has no problems at all HR are in the middle of redundancies so I dont know how much time they have to look at it.
 
I'm required to work offshore but I've currently failed my medical due to diabetes. My Consultant explained that the best way he could prove that I had control is if I have been on a course and so work now say I have to go on it before they consider me for further work on site.

Apparently being a female engineer wasnt hard enough in that industry, so I got dealt my diabetes card too!
 
I'm also a female engineer hale710, so know how you feel!

I've been waiting for a pump 10 years nearly and northants say the only way is to go on the DAFNE first.

With work I have to be in control as i need to drive and be around large machinery and engines. Its stupid I could fall into a hypo and be screwed.
 
Woohoo we're not THAT uncommon these days.

I was only diagnosed in February, 6 months after starting my graduate role. It's still undecided whether ill be allowed a pump in the future while offshore. Obviously not a problem right now but we'll see down the line

I've got DAFNE in November and was lucky to get a place so early
 
I'm also a female engineer, hehe. I have my DAFNE course in July. My employer gave me the option to take holiday, unpaid leave or time-in-lieu, or a combination, still figuring out how I want to do it. Could you do time-in-lieu?


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Hello
I had huge trouble when I did mine a few yrs ago. I was having time off due to diabetes problems but when it came to DAFNE I had to take it as sick days, but I had gone over my sick day limit which ended up with a written warning. The DSN even called to speak to hr but no joy.

Good luck and enjoy the course!

Kat



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I'll see what the boss says tomorrow and let you all know.

Thanks all!
 
Good luck ! Remember, the trick is to explain to them all the benefits your employer will get, not yourself !


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I haven't been able to do it as they would require me to take holiday time and I don't get much as it is . and there's no way I'm using what I've got to basicly work somewhere else for a week

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Ok quick update guys...

I have been informed this is an issue under the Equality Act (making reasonable adjustments).

OH has been involved and is supporting me and my manager has educated himself about diabeties and is shocked at what I 'do'!

will keep you updated but feeling more confident now
 
Great news ! Good luck !


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Good luck :thumbup:
 
Ok so Ive just been offered 2 days paid 3 unpaid O-o

Think thats a slight step backwards ? Still fighting but really cheesed off.

you can depend on me. Bull. :thumbdown:
 
Engineer88 said:
Ok so Ive just been offered 2 days paid 3 unpaid O-o

Think thats a slight step backwards ? Still fighting but really cheesed off.

you can depend on me. Bull. :thumbdown:
Click to expand...
Don't be too upset. That's still a minor victory. The Disability Act only states your employer should allow you time off for medical appts etc. It doesn't have to be paid leave. That is down to individual discretion. At least they have compromised a little ! Not a perfect outcome but certainly could be worse.


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