[befni]

OMG i am so upset , i have been called in to see one of my bosses today for a chat. I was told that someone in the heirarchy has complained about me because i had two medical appoinments last week, and they have the changed the time i come into work from 08:30 to 08:00, which does'nt sound too bad but it takes me an hour to get to work, so it effectively messes up my entire day! And not only that but they have told me that the guy who works in my office will no longer be working here so i have to run the entire place on my own. Which includes me making sure that the other personnel (90 of them by the way!) are being paid correctly and sorting out any problems they have and being a general dogsbody. Surely there must be something in place that says they cant do this to me? I am a complete wreck now and don't know what to do HELP PLEASE???

[vrocco1]

Here in the States, we have a law known as the Americans with Disabilities Act. That would prevent them from complaining about the medical appointments. Our laws are similar (all laws in the US are based on English Common Law) so, I'd be surprised if you did not have something like that in the UK. If an employer did that here, they'd spend the rest of their lives in court

As for them having you take over the office, I'm sure there can't be a law against that.

[Simon]

Yes, we have the disability discrimination act which I believe applies here. They cannot complain about your medical appointments. Changing your working hours or work load is more complex but is also probably illeagal. I would get some leagal advice if it's a real problem.

[DeusXM]

Your medical appointments are covered under the Disability Discrimination Act - if anyone complains again, you can throw a very heavy book at them.

As for your job requirements, we in the UK are fortunate in that we have some powerful labour laws. Check to see if your employer is in breach of contract. You may find helpful information at http://www.bbc.co.uk/consumer/guides...nt_index.shtml

On the other hand, since you are employed by the RAF/MOD, you may find that you have fewer workers' rights than if you were employed by a civilian company. However, if your job description has changed significantly, then you will be probably eligible for a pay review.

[Mister Q]

Hi Befni

As mentioned you are covered by the DDA but the ins and outs of it are best left to the legal types of which I am not one. Dont know if they still have welfare officers in the forces or if you have access to one at all but that could be one route to helping with your other problem. At the end of the day you have a right to attend these medical appointments as they are necessary in your treatment, so please dont be bullied by those above, its up to them to prove your guilt in any matter rather than you prove your innocence.

We are with ya every step on this so your not alone.

[Lynne1]

That really stinks! Their attitude makes it so much harder to take proper care of yourself.

[DeusXM]

You may also need to be rather careful about how you go about this. Given that there is a blanket ban on people with diabetes in the RAF, I suspect that your employer regards the fact that you are still working with them at all as a hugely magnanimous favour on their part.

I don't want to worry you but I don't think the DDA will cover you as much as you might like if you're working for an employer that is somewhat exempt from it. I think that if you tried invoke a case against them under the DDA, claiming they were discriminating against you because of your diabetes, the RAF would simply claim that the fact they still employ you proves that they're actually going above and beyond the requirements of the DDA.

This might sound very upsetting but it might be that they're hoping you jump before you get pushed. I suggest you speak with a solicitor and find out just how strong your position is before making any sort of approach to your employer.

[befni]

hi all, thanks for all your replies

Deus thankyou, as it happens the RAF are still deciding if they will keep me, have been waiting 20months for a decision but it is due in the next week or so, so hopefully i should have some info soon.

i do feel a bit better now but they do continue to put obstacles in my way, i think like you said alot of it is to try and get me to leave but i'm too stubborn ha ha.

anyway thanks again everyone

[HelenM]

I asked my husband his opinion on your plight. He is a retired engineering officer.
1) 8am is within normal working hours so no go there. You need to show that there isn't a problem with this.
2) yes they might be trying to make things difficult for you as it might be cheaper for them if you went at your age rather than were discharged medically.
3) The blanket ban on some medical problems is frequently surmounted ie pilots whose eyesight deteriorates can still continue with glasses, we had a friend at one station who lost his leg in an accident and was able to continue. Often its a matter of cost. You will have cost the RAF to train.
4) He's been trying to work out what you do( are) from the limited info. He asumes that you are in admin and can't see why 'well controlled' diabetes should stop you continuing in the RAF .
Personally as an RAF wife for far too many years I've known the system to seem very uncaring and sometimes b minded but many officers I've met do care and will often go out on a limb to help surmount obstacles.
Hope you're feeling a bit happier this morning.

[Georgia]

Good luck, I hope you get this sorted before too long.

[archimeech]

Befni, don't take this as rude, rather it's said out of concern for you. During this past 20 months that they've been taking to make up their mind, have you been seeking out other employment?

[befni]

archimeech,helen and georgia, thankyou for your comments

Archimeech I cant actively look for employment however i am currently doing training in other things to prepare myself for other employment should they discharge me!

Helen, thankyou for your comments. I think that your right and it is not the entire RAF's fault and there have been people how have been very supportive throughout this time. And then there have been the complete oblivious and ignorant i suppose it is just a matter of weighing up the good and the bad

I do feel a bit better today thanks