Is it too much to ask!

[dicky]

I've run out of options. Unable to complete a full round due to plantar fasciitis, been suffering for too long now (4 years). All I wanted was to be redeployed into another work area, where I'm off my feet.

Called into managers office recently to be told that its IHR for me, and I don't have a choice! I don't want to go. 48 yrs old with 9 yrs service. Waiting to speak to union rep.

All advice appreciated

[POSTMAN]

Topic split and moved to the union room.

[Gwynedd]

Firstly I just want to say that you do not have to agree to IHR. You should receive a call from OH Assist before your DOM can even consider this as an option. When you receive the call tell the person that you refuse to allow any report to be made as you have not given your consent for this to be discussed and the reason is because although you can not take on a delivery you are more than capable of working in a different area or role...Royal Mail have a duty of care and are obliged to try and find you work even if this is in a different dept/office. If this is not suitable for you then perhaps you should consider IHR..?..but do not feel forced, ask your DOM to explore all options first as per the attendance agreement..

I have been fighting against IHR for nearly 20 years and I'm still an employee...

[N1-22postman]

I suffered with Plantar Fasciitis for a number of years.I got fitted with heel inserts after being referred to a Podiatrist and through Royal Mail occupational health I saw a physiotherapist which helped.I found that gel sole inserts also helped.I was taken off deliverys and worked indoors for many months until the pain got less.Eventually I was phased back onto deliveries and the problem became intermittent.I still wear the insoles today even though I suffer rarely now.
So, make a stand against IHR if you do not want it and through OH insist on similar help to what I got and I wish you good luck in dealing with what is a very common problem for delivery staff caused by the fact that you have to walk a lot.

[dicky]

Thanks for all the advice.
I have been through podiatry, wear orthotics, had physio & steriod injections into both heels, the only option I have left is surgery! This comes with risks. The treatments have had limited sucess, doing 3 loops a day at the moment with breaks in between each loop, Have been covering rural duties when possible (80% driving) its generally managable. I have a class D licence (PCV) able to drive big stuff, no class C or E which is a shame as I would like to be redeployed into distribution, but hey Royal Mail no longer trains HGV but would rather IHR me at a much greater cost! I think I'll email Moya.

[dicky]

bits I forgot,
Still waiting to speak to my Union Rep, Have been under Atos/Oh Assist from the outset, & getting a telephone call from them next week.

[barrowc]

As part of the Professional Driver Opportunities detailed in http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... 15&t=65388, RM are supposed to be identifying people who could be trained up to C+E level:

Royal Mail Logistics wishes to create a sustainable Professional Driving workforce and we will therefore run a separate campaign to identify individuals who are eligible and who wish to be trained to the required C+E Licence standard. This Campaign will be implemented once the direct recruitment campaign is underway and will be offered initially to those interested individuals who require the minimum amount of training to meet the full C+E standard. Further details of this approach will be shared when they become available.

So you could point to that as a possible redeployment opportunity

[dicky]

Many thanks for replies. I am pursuing the professional driver route.