Type 1 Doctors letters

[ANDuncan!]

Hello all,
My employer requires a doctors note or letter for the employer to have so they know that I am a type one diabetic and more susceptible to illnesses and permanent changes in my medical status.
(So I’m less likely to get fired due to medical reasons) I know this will sound silly but I take it the doctors charge for these letters even if ya type 1 Diabetic ?
Many thanks
Al

 

[Deleted Account]

I think costs depend on your doctor - some don't charge for letters, some charge exorbitant amounts and some charge a bit.

But, does your employer actually need a specific letter or could you share a copy of a prescription with insulin on it: you won't be prescribed insulin unless you had diabetes.
Or perhaps you have a letter from your doctor for traveling?
Or an appointment letter for your next diabetes review?

I am trying to think a little out of the box to save you money and you and your doctor some time.

Good on you for being proactive about proving you have diabetes with your employer.
Have you seen the Diabetes UK document about employment: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/resources-s3/migration/pdf/Employment-advocacy-pack-2013.pdf
Thankfully, I have never had to use it but it looks as if it provides good advice.
And this one: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/resourc...%20the%20workplace%20support%20Feb%202017.pdf: looks as if it might be useful to share with your employer.

 

[ally1]

As your employer that's wanting the letter, then in my opinion, they should pay for it

 

[NicoleC1971]

This sounds strange and potentially discriminatory. As in an assumption is being made that because you are type 1 you will incur more illness and this is not true.
Does your condition have any impact on how well you can perform your role? Do any reasonable adjustments need to be made so that you can do your job? e.g. rest breaks to take blood tests or a clean room to inject in if necessary?
I did not mention my t1 until I got my current job and it did get questioned by the occupational health people but only in the sense of asking what adjustments might need to be made etc. (none in my case and i have an excellent sickness record!). It is up to your employer to find this stuff out and the onus should not be on you to 'self certify' unless you are anticipating needing time off???

 

[ANDuncan!]

Hello all,
Thank you for the helpful comments. My condition has changed me a lot I’ve gotten peripheral neuropathy and my eye sight has degraded. Also extreme nausea. Obviously as we type 1 have a Immune System deficiency it is a lot harder to fight off an illness and can effect us badly. I’m not anticipating time off but if my eye sight changes again for example means I can’t see so can’t do anything legally and safe. Different T1 have different severities of the conditions.
Many thanks
Alex !

 

[Bluetit1802]

I agree that as your employer has requested this letter, he should be paying for it.

 

[Crocodile]

Do fat people have to get letters too. What about drunks. And people with Wegener's Granulomatosis etc etc etc. They may be more susceptible to illness too.