From August 1st obviously shielding paused so work expect him back but get their occupational health people looking into whether its safe. They say (twice) it not safe enough for him although others are back at work.
His consultant also says if they can’t make it safe then he can’t go back
This week we get a letter the gist of which is “we can’t make it any safer, you aren’t coming back even though we’ve made it safe for others, we’re dismissing you with minimum notice payable”
After 43 years service. And even though its their own occupational health people who say that its not safe enough.
How is this allowed? (and before you call shout “it isn’t” I’m afraid having taken advice it is allowed because their deemed to have tried to make reasonable adjustments to the workplace’
So. Now we have to sellout house to pay off the mortgage.
Don’t ever think you’ve got protection because you have cancer and its covered under the disability act. There’s always a way they can sack you.
Good morning @Parrotperson. I completely understand just how angry and upset you must be feeling at the moment. Shielding has been difficult enough without receiving the news you have and having to worry about the financial implications of it all. It must me a really worrying time for you all. @parkrunmark was discussing the same thing yesterday, on the thread ‘Back at Work. How’s it Working?’ and
may be able to offer more than me.
I’m not going to tell you it’s not allowed because you have obviously looked into. I was just wondering who you got advice from. The Blood Cancer Uk and Macmillan helpline are open today. You may have already spoken to them so apologies if you have. It’s just upsetting me that you are in this situation so suggesting what I can and just thought it might me helpful to talk it through? Although I do understand that you may have had enough of talking for the moment!
How is your husband? 43 years is such a long time isn’t it and it must have come as quite a shock?
thank you. we’ve had advice from an employment law specialist. Have tried ACAS but they were less than helpful. Will try both those helplines thanks although not sure they will be able to do much as its seems they have us over a barrel as it were.
My husband is more laid back than me and I think he thinks they’ll cave an offer him a settlement. I don’t think they will!
I hope your husband is right. It would at least help financially. It’s such a stressful time for you all so please take care of yourself and keep us updated on how you get on. It’s such an important topic! X
We’re so sorry to hear of what you and your husband are going through, as @Nichola75 says, we can only imagine how worrying things are likely to be for you both.
We would definitely echo the helpful suggestions Nichola included in her message to you. @Parrotperson, we would also encourage you to have a look at our webpage here: https://bloodcancer.org.uk/support-for-you/living-well/money-work/ we talk through the different avenues of further support people can try, for anyone facing challenges with their workplace during this time.
If there’s anything there, you’d to talk through further or have questions about, please do reach out. Once again, we’re so sorry for the impact this has had on you both.
We hope that you have support around you? people you can talk to?
Thanks everyone for your kind words. Su thanks for the link will look. We have family who are helping so that’s good. Still can’t quite believe they’re allowed to do this. My only hope is to try and negotiate a deal based on the fact we could take them to court for unfair dismissal but they might shrug and say we wouldn’t win so…
When it happens (meeting on Friday) we have decided to sell up and retire in Northumberland but of course that poses issues re hospitals and getting his supply of Ibrutinib! Nothing simple is it!
Oh @Parrotperson what an unbelievable shock you have both had. 43 yrs service is certainly an achievement these days. @Nichola75 and @SuBloodcancerUK have both said it all really so all I would say is I find it really helpful to write down all I want to say and get your evidence together and really prepare before a meeting and perhaps if you haven’t go a legal leg to stand on really stress the moral side and how upset you are after 43 years of loyal service to receive that stark letter, the financial implications to you etc. etc. and get the best deal you can.
What also helps me is knowing I have not got to reply to an offer immediately and saying that you will take advice and get back to them.
Good luck and please let us know how you get on Friday. I will be thinking about you both.
@Parrotperson You’re very welcome! I hope that this will be helpful to you and your husband, and I’m so pleased to hear you have great support from your family- I can only imagine what a difference this must make.
It sounds like you have been so proactive in exploring your options, and it’s so important to do what feels best for you both. As @Erica touched on, writing things down and collecting together any information which maybe helpful can be worth thinking about- especially as it takes a lot of pressure off you trying to remember everything
To echo @Erica again, we’re all thinking of you and please do keep talking to us- both the support line and the online community forum are always here for you.
@Parrotperson I’m so sorry that you’re having go through what sounds like such a frustrating time! May I ask what industry it is your husband is in?
Hope you’re doing okay, as Erica says do let us know how you and your husband get on on Friday!
Nothing further has happened I’m afraid. We’re in limbo. Supposed to have an occupational health meeting (again-this is the third) but have heard nothing.
We’re so sorry to hear this, we can only imagine it’s never easy feeling like you’re constantly waiting. Do you have any contact details at all where you can maybe follow this up and check in with them as to when the meeting will take place?
