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Footwear....

B

bertiecbx1000

Newbie
Messages
3
Location
Wolverhampton
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Other
I work as a retail security guard on a 12hr shift.. Can anybody tell me if I can ask my employer for financial assistance in getting suitable footwear as I'm starting to suffer with my feet... I get sharp stabbing pains in big toes and my feet sweat a lot, I normally wear a pair of ex military boots with Clark's air soles but these are starting to wear out and the only boots I've ever seen issued are steel toe cap boots that are the cheapest footwear I've ever seen... Any advice please??? I'm type 2 by the way... Thanx



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You have to be supplied with suitable PPE (persoal protective equipment) and in your case sounds like shoes. So speak to your boss about it they have to supply correct equipment to do the job. l would also speak to the dr though as doesnt sound to good
 
I think he already is supplied with PPE. Sorry to be a downer but I think your employer is doing enough. If not suitable, you will probably gave to buy your own. Worth asking though and see what they say !


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Dr Marten's do safety boots and I've always found them comfortable to wear. I suppose the only way you'll know if your employer will provide funding for some boots is to ask them, they'll either say yes or no.
 
I theory. yes you can.
If you suffer from a disability, your employer is required to assess the workplace, and do all that is reasonably possible to enable you to work there.
So, yes, you can ask them to provide boots.

However, it could be a poisoned chalice.
If they do supply boots, and acknowledge you have a difficulty walking, in the job you do, they will then have to prove that they were happy with the assessment that the boots were correct for you if you later on decide to sue them for future problems.
They may find it easier to comply with the HSE simply by transferring you to an office job, where you're not required to walk. And after a reasonable period, may decide that the department you're now in may need to be downsized. By law you will be protected from being treated unfairly here as well though, but it could be aggro you don't want.

At the end of the day it depends on how approachable your employer is.
Personally, I be more inclined to buy my own boots, and just claim the tax relief.
 
I've always bought my own footwear for work as I know what I'm comfortable in.. It's just since I was diagnosed I've been more conscious about my feet and have noticed the little aches I now get.. But with my pay not going as far as it used too I just thought it's about time I started asking either for these kind of items. I didn't know about tax relief on workwear and I'll look into that now as well thanx for all the advice I appreciate it...


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