meeting with DSM

[tigercat]

Im off with anxiety/ depression. Ive been sent a letter by the DSM to meet him at a DO in another town 30 miles away. I cant face the journey and have no transport anyway. Im not refusing to meet I would just like it to be closer to home. Can anyone give me advice please. Why the DSM and not my own DOM/Lino? and why 30 miles away? Thanks.

[Sidley]

In my experience when the DSM deigns to get his hands dirty it's to try and get you back to work and not by totally fair methods.
Not really the sort of thing I want to tell you in your state but I can only go from experience.

Thirty miles? He might have a few people he's trying to convince into returning to work before their time and the venue is central to a lot of offices. Maybe if you make the trip he can imply that if you're fit to travel you're fit to return?

Why the DSM? Possibly as he has more clout and more options in dealing with you. See if your doc will advise you against it if you're not ready and contact your rep.

Personally I reckon the DSM is there to intimidate you with his rank and the fact that as he won't see you often, he feel free to grief you in ways your local screws wouldn't dare.

[Darren Bent]

And don't go without union/area rep just in case.

[music4essex]

They tried this on me years ago , I was off with depression because of a local manager , I refused to go the 30 miles and insisted they saw me at home with a union rep present which actually was my the ex husband also we had the meeting minuted .

Good Luck

Essex mum

[Dorset Plodder]

They tried this on me years ago , I was off with depression because of a local manager , I refused to go the 30 miles and insisted they saw me at home with a union rep present which actually was my the ex husband also we had the meeting minuted .

Good Luck

Essex mum

Hope the fact that he was your Union Rep had nothing to do with fact the he's now your ex-husband? I know we all think they should try harder.