Advice Please......

[Cheetah]

A Female colleague has returned to work after a few months absence with clinical depression for which she is still under the consultant for and taking medication. Atos only give her a couple of days on light duties i.e 4 hours per day indoors.
These days have gone and the manager is insisting she go back on to her rural delivery straight away even though she has explained how she feels and has asked to be kept indoors until after Xmas, where she will have some company and not be subjected to any stress. She has spoke with me and has said she is not ready to return to full duties and it is very evident to see as she is still withdrawn and often on the verge of tears at the drop of a hat.
She doesn't want to go back on the sick for a couple of reasons, not wanting to trigger a stage 2 and not wanting to be in the house alone deep in thoughts as her hubby is out at work and she doesn't like being alone at this time.......
Any advice would be appreciated as to what would be the best course of action, and what is the position regards DDA for clinical depression, is it a qualifying condition ??????

[TeeferTiger]

Can she get a letter from her Dr explaining her condition and also can she speak with ATOS again?

I still think depression isn't taken seriously enough and it certainly seems the case that this DOM certainly doesn't understand the implications of not treating this situation with the care it requires. I think the DOM needs to seek advice from ATOS (seeing as they're meant to be health care professionals ) as to the best course of action, and I think the young lady concerned needs to be getting her Dr to write to the DOM stating what's best for her rather than what's best for RM.

More importantly, I realise she doesn't want to trigger a stage 2, but her health comes first. If the DOM won't listen to reason, then another sick absence is on the cards and a grievance should go in.

[spilie]

she could try going to her doctor and say she is now very stressed as well as depressed and ask the doctor to make the sick line out with WORKPLACE STRESS as the cause, this is important because it first shows that the stress is caused by work related problems rather than general life stress and secondly someone will question the cause of the work related stress, i hope this helps

[Cheetah]

Can she get a letter from her Dr explaining her condition and also can she speak with ATOS again?

I still think depression isn't taken seriously enough and it certainly seems the case that this DOM certainly doesn't understand the implications of not treating this situation with the care it requires. I think the DOM needs to seek advice from ATOS (seeing as they're meant to be health care professionals ) as to the best course of action, and I think the young lady concerned needs to be getting her Dr to write to the DOM stating what's best for her rather than what's best for RM.

More importantly, I realise she doesn't want to trigger a stage 2, but her health comes first. If the DOM won't listen to reason, then another sick absence is on the cards and a grievance should go in.

Thing is it would be a bit easier to understand though not excusable, if we were short staffed, but as there is no leave at all in our office during Xmas duties, bully boy actually has delivery only staff with no duty !!!!!!, who are not familiar with the sorting, so common sense would say leave her on the sorting and put one of the P/T staff on her duty, everybody happy........ But of course when an opportunity to bully someone who is vunerable presents itself then all common sense goes out the window, he just can't help himself

[Cheetah]

she could try going to her doctor and say she is now very stressed as well as depressed and ask the doctor to make the sick line out with WORKPLACE STRESS as the cause, this is important because it first shows that the stress is caused by work related problems rather than general life stress and secondly someone will question the cause of the work related stress, i hope this helps

Thanks for your comments, good advice will tell her to go down that line if it does come to going back on S/L...... I just hate the tactics they employ depression is really not nice and is a very serious condition requiring compassion, delicate treatment and understanding, he hasn't even asked her how she is feeling now . We are talking about a good worker who until this unfortunate illness never had time off work !!!!!!!!

[red666bear]

A Female colleague has returned to work after a few months absence with clinical depression for which she is still under the consultant for and taking medication. Atos only give her a couple of days on light duties i.e 4 hours per day indoors.
These days have gone and the manager is insisting she go back on to her rural delivery straight away even though she has explained how she feels and has asked to be kept indoors until after Xmas, where she will have some company and not be subjected to any stress. She has spoke with me and has said she is not ready to return to full duties and it is very evident to see as she is still withdrawn and often on the verge of tears at the drop of a hat.
She doesn't want to go back on the sick for a couple of reasons, not wanting to trigger a stage 2 and not wanting to be in the house alone deep in thoughts as her hubby is out at work and she doesn't like being alone at this time.......
Any advice would be appreciated as to what would be the best course of action, and what is the position regards DDA for clinical depression, is it a qualifying condition ??????

Sounds like she wants to skip christmas and maybe won`t be depressed in the new year.
There are 2.6 million people without a job - depressed don`t make me laugh. Toughen up or ship out.

[bathonion]

this information off the TUC web site, should give you all the advice you need, regards helping someone with a mental health problem in the workplace.
http://www.tuc.org.uk/extras/mentalhealth.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[krussel]

A Female colleague has returned to work after a few months absence with clinical depression for which she is still under the consultant for and taking medication. Atos only give her a couple of days on light duties i.e 4 hours per day indoors.
These days have gone and the manager is insisting she go back on to her rural delivery straight away even though she has explained how she feels and has asked to be kept indoors until after Xmas, where she will have some company and not be subjected to any stress. She has spoke with me and has said she is not ready to return to full duties and it is very evident to see as she is still withdrawn and often on the verge of tears at the drop of a hat.
She doesn't want to go back on the sick for a couple of reasons, not wanting to trigger a stage 2 and not wanting to be in the house alone deep in thoughts as her hubby is out at work and she doesn't like being alone at this time.......
Any advice would be appreciated as to what would be the best course of action, and what is the position regards DDA for clinical depression, is it a qualifying condition ??????

Sounds like she wants to skip christmas and maybe won`t be depressed in the new year.
There are 2.6 million people without a job - depressed don`t make me laugh. Toughen up or ship out.

Please show some compassion as we all will go through some difficult times on our lives.

We had a Postie with chronic depression try to take his own life a few years back, its serious.

[TeeferTiger]

A Female colleague has returned to work after a few months absence with clinical depression for which she is still under the consultant for and taking medication. Atos only give her a couple of days on light duties i.e 4 hours per day indoors.
These days have gone and the manager is insisting she go back on to her rural delivery straight away even though she has explained how she feels and has asked to be kept indoors until after Xmas, where she will have some company and not be subjected to any stress. She has spoke with me and has said she is not ready to return to full duties and it is very evident to see as she is still withdrawn and often on the verge of tears at the drop of a hat.
She doesn't want to go back on the sick for a couple of reasons, not wanting to trigger a stage 2 and not wanting to be in the house alone deep in thoughts as her hubby is out at work and she doesn't like being alone at this time.......
Any advice would be appreciated as to what would be the best course of action, and what is the position regards DDA for clinical depression, is it a qualifying condition ??????

Sounds like she wants to skip christmas and maybe won`t be depressed in the new year.
There are 2.6 million people without a job - depressed don`t make me laugh. Toughen up or ship out.

Are you for real?! Would you feel happier if she topped herself, eh? You don't know the reasons why she's feeling the way she is, you don't know the first thing about her or her condition so wind your neck in. Engage your brain before your gob in future, if that's possible.

Back to the original post.... On the fit notes I'm sure there are "Fit for work with amended duties" If she could get her Dr to write one stating what she is fit to do, don't RM have to abide by it? Otherwise they're going against Drs advice and therefore liable should anything happen?

Also, isn't there a HELP telephone number available? I'm sure there used to be a helpline (called HELP) or something for employees who were suffering from this kind of thing.

[Cheetah]

A Female colleague has returned to work after a few months absence with clinical depression for which she is still under the consultant for and taking medication. Atos only give her a couple of days on light duties i.e 4 hours per day indoors.
These days have gone and the manager is insisting she go back on to her rural delivery straight away even though she has explained how she feels and has asked to be kept indoors until after Xmas, where she will have some company and not be subjected to any stress. She has spoke with me and has said she is not ready to return to full duties and it is very evident to see as she is still withdrawn and often on the verge of tears at the drop of a hat.
She doesn't want to go back on the sick for a couple of reasons, not wanting to trigger a stage 2 and not wanting to be in the house alone deep in thoughts as her hubby is out at work and she doesn't like being alone at this time.......
Any advice would be appreciated as to what would be the best course of action, and what is the position regards DDA for clinical depression, is it a qualifying condition ??????

Sounds like she wants to skip christmas and maybe won`t be depressed in the new year.
There are 2.6 million people without a job - depressed don`t make me laugh. Toughen up or ship out.

Thanks for your kind comments but as you obviously know nothing about depression, or what has caused it in this case, which i will not go into as it is very upsetting personal circumstances, which is now being compounded by management harasment, best if you keep them to yourself thanks

[Cheetah]

this information off the TUC web site, should give you all the advice you need, regards helping someone with a mental health problem in the workplace.
http://www.tuc.org.uk/extras/mentalhealth.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks very much......

[fishtank]

Mental Health in the Workplace
http://www.cwu.org/mental-health-in-the-workplace.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Royal Mail's Policy is that line managers have a responsibility to ensure that the work and working environment within their team does not lead to the experience of stress. The process is designed to ensure that controls are in place to combat work-related stress. Line managers should Involve the Union representatives and be proactive in confidentially discussing concerns with individuals if there are signs of stress and respond to a individual's requests for personal help, referring them to the Occupational Health Service (OHS), following through agreed actions to support the individual, understanding the problems and working out solutions on the basis of the individual's capabilities and monitoring the individual's behaviour along with the OHS over time to establish that the individual is receiving support . The Union Safety Rep will be involved in the planning and organising of the individuals duties.

It sounds like this manager is not following Royal Mail's own policy.

[two-tired-feet]

A Female colleague has returned to work after a few months absence with clinical depression for which she is still under the consultant for and taking medication. Atos only give her a couple of days on light duties i.e 4 hours per day indoors.
These days have gone and the manager is insisting she go back on to her rural delivery straight away even though she has explained how she feels and has asked to be kept indoors until after Xmas, where she will have some company and not be subjected to any stress. She has spoke with me and has said she is not ready to return to full duties and it is very evident to see as she is still withdrawn and often on the verge of tears at the drop of a hat.
She doesn't want to go back on the sick for a couple of reasons, not wanting to trigger a stage 2 and not wanting to be in the house alone deep in thoughts as her hubby is out at work and she doesn't like being alone at this time.......
Any advice would be appreciated as to what would be the best course of action, and what is the position regards DDA for clinical depression, is it a qualifying condition ??????

Sounds like she wants to skip christmas and maybe won`t be depressed in the new year.
There are 2.6 million people without a job - depressed don`t make me laugh. Toughen up or ship out.

dont often post , but for you 2 words .........dick-head!!

[TeeferTiger]

Mental Health in the Workplace
http://www.cwu.org/mental-health-in-the-workplace.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Royal Mail's Policy is that line managers have a responsibility to ensure that the work and working environment within their team does not lead to the experience of stress. The process is designed to ensure that controls are in place to combat work-related stress. Line managers should Involve the Union representatives and be proactive in confidentially discussing concerns with individuals if there are signs of stress and respond to a individual's requests for personal help, referring them to the Occupational Health Service (OHS), following through agreed actions to support the individual, understanding the problems and working out solutions on the basis of the individual's capabilities and monitoring the individual's behaviour along with the OHS over time to establish that the individual is receiving support . The Union Safety Rep will be involved in the planning and organising of the individuals duties.

It sounds like this manager is not following Royal Mail's own policy.

Well, there's a first

Good post though FT

[Cheetah]

Mental Health in the Workplace
http://www.cwu.org/mental-health-in-the-workplace.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Royal Mail's Policy is that line managers have a responsibility to ensure that the work and working environment within their team does not lead to the experience of stress. The process is designed to ensure that controls are in place to combat work-related stress. Line managers should Involve the Union representatives and be proactive in confidentially discussing concerns with individuals if there are signs of stress and respond to a individual's requests for personal help, referring them to the Occupational Health Service (OHS), following through agreed actions to support the individual, understanding the problems and working out solutions on the basis of the individual's capabilities and monitoring the individual's behaviour along with the OHS over time to establish that the individual is receiving support . The Union Safety Rep will be involved in the planning and organising of the individuals duties.

It sounds like this manager is not following Royal Mail's own policy.

Well, there's a first

Good post though FT

Yes some excellent advice from all (bar one) thanks FT and TT