Recent absences due to personal problems

[harry69]

I was diagnosed with depression before joining RM. Until the last few months, though, I've been feeling much better. However, as a result of coming off my medication and other factors, I've gone sick 4 times since October.

An absence in December triggered stage 2, at which point I was referred to ATOS but cleared as I returned voluntarily and felt much more positive. However, I went home on Tuesday as I was feeling very low. I'm returning to work tomorrow hopefully as I'm feeling much more positive, but I'm aware that if I have another episode or really bad day and go off sick in the next 6 months then I'll be on stage 3.

Basically, I'm wondering if I have a case for requesting my latest absence isn't included - does the fact it's a long-term condition have any relevance? I still have 4 days of annual leave to use up, or I'd be happy to have it put down as unpaid special leave. I'm just conscious that if I catch an illness then it's game over.

Thanks for any advice - I plan on finding the office rep tomorrow to get his advice.

[cantbelieveit's...]

Did you tell them at the interview about your depression?? you could be covered under the DDA.

[harry69]

The DOM knows - she referred me to ATOS - but obviously she doesn't think it's relevant with regards to the DDA as she's said nothing about it, or enquired as to my welfare since I returned from an absence last month.

[krussel]

Sorry to hear this Harry

How do you get on with your GP? I was on a stage 3 with a bad back and other stress related problems a few years ago and i had my GP write a letter (quite a long one as he was amazed at RM,s approach) which helped as RM backed right off and reduced it back to a stage 1 . This was before ATOS though.

Hang in there mate the springs coming.

[harry69]

Thanks mate

My GP's been great, although I've not seen him recently - but was planning on making an app prior to my latest 'bad day' on Tuesday

Will have to see what happens if I have an RTW tomorrow, but if I do go onto stage 3 then I'd much rather resign rather than run the risk of dismissal. I know I can't prove I was off because of my condition - no doubt the managers will pick up on this.

[krussel]

No way should you resign You are suffering from an illness and its no different to any other condition and you should be treated with understanding by your employer. Trouble with RM nothing gets discussed properly until you hit the stage 3 which is very stressful.

I think you need to bring your GP up to speed on how your being treated at RM and how its not helping your condition. I also think you have a good case for requesting your latest absence isn't included as its already under ATOS. Once again they wont deal with this until a stage 3.

Talk to your rep in the morning and explain that none of this is helping you, i would get him /her to sit in on the RTW dispite that being routine.

There are a few others on here who have been in this situation and could offer better help than me. I wont name them but hopefully they may pick up on this thread.

Hope it goes ok tomorrow, come back and let us know how you get on with the RTW.

[Judgee]

Did you make RM aware of you medical problems before you joined? If not they may have you by the balls?

The whole system is a discrace, basically they punish the many for a few that have taken the piss in the past. Once on the stage warning merry-go-round its damned hard to get off it.

Your best bet, if you disclosed your condition to RM prior to joining, is to try and get them to count it all as one ongoing problem rather than several separate absences?