Work Related Problems

Hi All

I have just joined today!!! I need some advice with some problems that I am having at work. I am a mum with 3 children youngest of which is 3 years old. I work for the NHS in a clerical role in a clinic, my normal hours of work are 8.30-4.30 three days a week. I have been off work for about three months due to stress at work related issues and have just returned on a phased return to work. With one week at 4 hours, then 5 hours and then 6 hours and then back to full hours. My problem is that due to the stress that I have had over the last year it has left me fatigued. I am a type 2 diabetic, diet controlled and now since going back to work am finding it difficult to do the long hours. So I requested to reduce my hours, however, I requested it on the grounds of my children being young and issues with childcare. I was embarassed of telling them it is due to diabetes maybe, as at the moment I am unsure if it is the diabetes that is making me tired or the stress. However, they have come back with unhelpful shifts, I had originally requested 9-2.30pm so that I could manage the school drop offs and at the same time it would avoid me getting tired if I worked until 4.30pm. The shift that they are requesting is: Week 1: 8.30-2.30 and Week 2: 10.30-4.30pm. They have advised that is all they can offer, however, on three occassions I have told them that I am getting tired and it maybe because of medication for the stress that I am taking. I don't mind the early shift, but the later shift would make me really tired. I just need advice if I should tell them it is due to the diabetes too. They have given me two weeks to make a decision. To me it seems that they have done this so that I don't change my hours. Please advise what I should or can do. Kind Regards

Hi

Thanks for replying, I don't think that they can make me have medical retirement, because I would like to work, however, in the mornings though. I feel better working in the mornings because then I am not so tired. However, I don't know if tiredness is diabetes related or the stress that I have had working in that department with a few members of staff. I am at the moment on phased return to work this is my second week back, working at 5 hours per day, the problems that I left with are still there!! My Gp said to see him after a month during my phased return to work, I am also on stress related medication so unsure if that is causing the tiredness. I may request to the GP if he can request that I work in the mornings and for less hours. I think that I am afraid of the stigma also. The reason why I am afraid to tell them about the diabetes is because I applied for flexible working on the grounds of my children and childcare issues and they may think because I didn't get the hours I requested I am now telling them about my diabetes. However, I have been diagnosed about two years ago with type 2 diabetes. I am in a union but they have not really helped me so far. Thanks.

Hi Catherine

Normally my sugar levels are fine they are between 5-6 before eating and then after eating they would be about 8. I think because of stress at work my sugar levels seem to be in the double numbers just lately, I am eating what I normally eat, but am very depressed as I have never come across a situation like this at work before. However, I would like to know if I am allowed to cut my hours and request the GP to ask my employer to let me work in the mornings. I really can't manage working until 4.30pm as I become lethargic and then cannot concentrate. I have told my employer this but they are not bothered!! Its either that or I would have to go on sick leave again, but I want to work, I love my job and I love working with the patients.
Please advise. Thanks

Hi

Thanks for your responses. I have been to the doctors and have requested a blood test just to make sure it isn't anaemia or something else. Will hopefully get results next week.

During my working days I only have sandwiches at work with either cheese or tuna, with a fruit.

Thanks