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Reasonable adjustments at work

A

ABlomfield

Newbie
Messages
3
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hi

I need some advice please.

I’ve been working for the same healthcare provider for 12 years. At my interview I advised them I was a sever type 1 diabetic and they advices me this would not be a problem.

One year ago a new line manager was brought into my department and my time off work, hypo attack’s and lunch times all became big issues. It eventually came to a head in September 2017 when photos of my children, not me, where used in evedance that I was having unauthorised time off sick. A GP letter later resolved the problem but my diabetic seems to have caused a rift and after speaking to Diabetes UK they advised me I should have had reasonable adjustments put in place, this was also agreed with by works Occupational Health.

In short what reasonable adjustments have other diabetics asked for? Are your sickness days or trigger days more than your colleagues? Are you allowed a room to do your blood glucose checks and injections or cannula changes, that is not a bathroom? Do they insist someone you work with, who is not qualified and who does not know about your condition, need to come with you?

Many thanks in advance for your help
 
Many reasonable adjustments cost nothing to the employer. I suggest you make a list as to what you would like and then make a formal written application to your employer. If you are in a trade union get your rep to help you. Ask for a referral to Occ Health?

In your list of what you would like, consider how the company could achieve this by making a suggestion as to how it could work. By doing this they have less chance of saying no.

Medical procedures that you must carry out should not have to be done in an unsanitary place. Is there a first aid room?You may like to consider speaking to ACAS about this before you put your request in.
 
I would speak to your line managers manager or HR department along with a union rep if you have one. I would ask why they are using pictures of your children at this meeting.
 
Thank you both. I have asked HR for help but they seemed as clueless as myself and I ended up explaining type 1 diabetes to the doctor. The issue is with my manager and line manager and HR seem to be on their side more than mine. The union have helped as much as they can but they’ve admitted that this problem far exceeds what they are used to and due to the organisation I work for I’m not really going to get much help. I just feel more embarrassed about my illness, I’m constantly apologising for things I have no control over and I feel I’m not being treated as everyone else in the office. I though I was past all this, I’ve had type 1 since I was 6 and have never encountered such problems as this.
 

Change jobs perhaps and find an employer/ company who are more compassionate and understanding?
 
They have a responsibility to make 'reasonable adjustments' and you have a responsibility to manage your diabetes as best as you can. They should provide time off for scheduled appointments, allow you time in the day to administer insulin and check your BG levels. There should be an appropriate place to do this (I just do it at my desk). Keeping snacks and hypo treatments with you should also be allowed. A number of companies I know are a bit more lenient on sick days - but if you are having a lot then you aren't managing your diabetes well.

It sounds a bit tough to say you must also take responsibility, but if you are having a lot of days off and aren't doing anything to address that then they could be within their rights to take action. If you taking medical advice and can prove it then they will have more of a challenge on their hands - but ultimately you need to be able to do the job they pay you to do, providing they've made reasonable adjustments to help you.
 
If they have a photo of you out and about with your kids whilst you're off 'sick' they have every right to pull you up on this whether you're diabetic or not.

You state "time off work, hypo attack’s and lunch times all became big issues" - Do you have time off work more than most and what for and why? Hypo attacks - are your hypos that dramatic? how often do these 'attacks' happen? Lunch times? we all have a lunch break.........

You also say you're constantly apologising for things you have no control over and feel like you're not being treated the same as everyone else in the office. By the sound of it currently you're not working the same as everyone else in the office so why should they? What I find interesting is your comment about having no control - if you're referring to your diabetic control then for the sake of your job you need to get on top of it, and dare I say it, stop using it as an excuse.

Sorry if this sounds harsh, just to caveat - as a fellow T1 I know what it can be like so don't take it personally
 
If you are in a Union and they are not helping much - then perhaps go up a level to the regional office. Whilst I accept that local reps may not be able to help much or some things are out of their expertise - you are paying to have some representation and guidance so maybe contact the regional office? The regional office can perhaps put you in touch with the local union health and safety rep or give you some advice that others can't?
HR are on very dodgy ground if they are indeed clueless. As are your managers who have a legal responsibility for your health and safety. Speak to ACAs - they will tell you what is expected of you and your employer.
 
Many thanks for all your replies, it is much appreciated.

My diabetic is controlled, and I am rather strict with it so it doesn’t interven with my life. However I am hypo unaware and am currently being treated by my diabetic team very well regarding this. I’m very careful not too take sick days that are not necessary and never use my health as an excuse and as I mentioned I’ve worked here for 12 years and have never had any problems, but I have noticed I am being picked on more that other staff members and every time they seem to use my diabetes. My Endocrinologist has even written a letter to work explaining my health and that he doesn’t see the problem work seems to calling me up on. Once they received this letter is died down till the last incident when photos,of a weekend away after a very bad hypo, where presented to myself of my children, not me and I was asked why was away after a hypo?
I’m trying to understand if this is something other diabetics encounter and should I just let it slide or does it all seem slightly extreme.
 
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