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Help needed!

Beckie2014

Beckie2014

Well-Known Member
Messages
73
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hello lovelys

Just after a bit of advice, I had to take a day off work last week due to a really bad hypo, first day off I've had since diagnosis.

Today I've to have a meeting about and and I just wanted to check if diabetes is covered by the DDA?

I was told it was (type 1) but my employers are arguing that it isn't?

Thanks in advance xx
 
It's a life long condition and it IS under the DDA and it has been to court before where employer lost as they tried to stop all sick pay
Advise your employer HR that they can see this info on the dot gov site where it shows the full range of health issues covered by the DDA
 
Hi Beckie2014
I am sorry I am not conversant on the Disability Discrimination Act but I just want to clarify a bit more.

Are you saying your employer is calling you in for a meeting to potentially discipline you over having a day off work due to this severe hypo. ?

my blood is on the boil at the very thought of it -- make sure you have somebody in there with you on your side if this is true.
hopefully someone should be along shortly with some definitive knowledge

Looks like that knowledge arrived while I was typing :)
 
Is diabetes termed a disability within the meaning of the Equality Act?

The definition of disability in the Equality Act treats each person as an individual, so ultimately only a court or tribunal can decide if a person is covered by the definition. Many people with diabetes do not think of themselves as having a disability, but in many cases people with diabetes will be covered by this definition of disability. This is because diabetes is a life-long condition, and it can seriously affect a person’s ability to do normal day-to-day things. When you are considering whether you are covered by the definition you must think about the effect of your diabetes on your day-to-day life. If your diabetes makes it more difficult for you to do day-to-day things then you are likely to be covered.

http://www.diabetes.org.uk/upload/How we help/Avocacy/Employment-advocacy-pack-2013.pdf
 
I had some problems with my employers so I politely but firmly reminded them that Type 1 diabetes was covered by the DDA, and it helped concentrate their minds. They stopped hassling me so much after that.

I hope the meeting goes well. Often employers are just ignorant of what diabetes means, not purposely malicious. I often wished my bosses could have my diabetes for a week and then they'd understand a lot better.
 
Thanks everyone it went well, they did not take disciplinary action against me and seemed to be relatively understanding of the situation.

I don't like taking time off but there was no way I could have gone to work, let's hope it was just a one off!

Thanks again xx
 
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