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Posted 5/11/2010 8:32 PM (GMT 0)

 Hello

I suffer from severe peripheral neuropathy and fibromyalgia and today I was told that I am being dismissed from work because I have had 24 sick days in 12 months. I am devastated. 

I attended physiotherapy weekly until Christmas 2009 when a new ruling came out that said a person could only have 12 weeks of physio irrespective of whether their condition was permanent or not. As a direct result of no physio and the cold and damp weather my pain became worse to the point where I am now on MST tablets and take Oramorph and I also take carbamazepine.

I have not received any sympathy from my employer regarding changes in my medication and was only allowed one day to 'get used ' to the increase or change in medication even though they were Class A drugs!

Obviously, I have tried hard and have coped extremely well with my complicated job [I give advice regarding the unilateral and bi-lateral agreements other countries have with the UK to UK residents who live abroad]. I have even been told that the standard of work I produce is extremely high but I have been told that 'rules are rules' and because I exceeded the 20 days sick allowance I was given they are dismissing me!

What can I do now? Can anyone suggest employment they think I could do? - I cannot walk, stand or sit for any length of time. Neither can I lift anything. This pretty much rules out all the jobs I can think of. I am in danger of losing my house if I cannot find another job. Please help. Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you cry

Posted 5/11/2010 8:50 PM (GMT 0)
Sandy, I am so sorry that you were let go from your employment. It seems very unfair!
Is there a chance that they would take you back if a letter was sent from your doctor
explaining your circumstances? I wish you well and hope that your employers will have a change of heart. Hopefully you are entitled to some kind of unemployment benefits.
Good luck to you! Sending gentle hugs and prayers!!!

Hugs, Robin
Posted 5/11/2010 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so sorry.  Have you tried talking to the head of the company?  You were doing your job and doing it well.  That should count for something.  Let them know about your medication change and see if it is possible to just dock your pay for the extra days you missed.  The job you did wasn't compromised by your absence so your experience shows.  They also changed the rules in the "middle of the game".  I would press for that right now and not settle for "rules are rules".  I would "sell" myself to them again using the experience you have and your proven work ethics.   Also see if you can work an arrangement with them about any sick leave.  Perhaps they would even let your work at home.  The worst that could happen is you don't get anywhere with them.  You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain.

 

Sherrine

Posted 5/11/2010 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
Sandy,

Maybe it is time to think about getting disability. I don't know if you can get it from your job. But maybe from the government. I hope that you can find something else soon so that you don't lose your home. Keep us posted.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 5/11/2010 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for all of your kind words.
What makes this situation worse is that I have worked for the same employer for 27 years - and they ARE the Government of my country!
Hopefully, I will be able to fight their decision with the help of my Union but then after being treated so badly by my employer I don't know whether I want to work for them again! Perhaps these feelings are just because I'm feeling very raw and vulnerable at the moment.
You have given me hope and I thank you all for that.
Take care of yourselves and may whoever your God is protect you.
Thank you
Posted 5/11/2010 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
Your union should be able to help you, Sandy.  As I said before, they changed the rules, and not everyone can fit in the same mold.  I could understand this better if you had only worked there a year or two but 27 years? 

 

Remember, it's probably only one or two people that have caused this problem.  I highly doubt your company would want to lose you and  your experience over a few extra missed days.  Whoever made this decision should lose THEIR job!

 

Stand tall, and fight this.  Your company needs you and a lot of people would be mighty happy to see you back again. 

 

Sherrine

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