disabilities, new to this, not sure if in right place lol

[elfin]

Not sure where I stand with this one, I have Bi-polar disorder. So this is something I have to live with for the rest of my life...

Our office is in the swing of a revision and it will go live very soon. I was on one round and have been for 5 and a half years. This was great as I knew the round well, people, etc. Anyway there has been a re-pick and I have been left with a reserve job (currently working 30hours), I understand the seniority have the first choice and so it goes down the line.

I'm very apprehensive about this as I know I could be on something different each day. I think this would cause me great stress and lead me to having a relapse. Is there any other options available to help me out? My manager worked out how many holidays I would cover and the answer was 30ish weeks per year...what will they do with me the rest of the weeks (I envisage them sending me to different offices which are short staffed).

I shall have a word with my union rep tomorrow and see if there is a way around this or do I just accept there isn't and that this is Royal Mail going forward?Thought I'd post on here and see what you guys say...

Thanks in advance...

[clashcityrocker]

Is your condition known to your manager?
Have you had an ATOS referral and has your condition been classified as a disability?

Before the repack you should have had an updated ATOS referral and if they felt that keeping you on one duty would be beneficial in controlling your condition, then that is what they would have recommended and a duty would have been ringfenced for you.

It all starts with an ATOS referral and that is what you need to ask for.

[tasam]

Have you had an ATOS referral and have they stated that you are covered by DDA.

If so then they should have indicated if you required stability in order to prevent your condition getting worse. That may be something as simple as keeping you on the same duty rather than changing every week.

Check with union rep,

In the past I have requested a referral myself to have an updated statement from ATOS. (6 years after diagnosis of a long term changeable condition - condition is stable but ATOS confirmed that I have to remain in an indoor role)

[fishtank]

My manager worked out how many holidays I would cover and the answer was 30ish weeks per year, what will they do with me the rest of the weeks (I envisage them sending me to different offices which are short staffed).

First of all there is your own annual leave and then there is also the christmas pressure period.
That could add another 10 weeks to the total and it's likely any odd weeks where you won't be required to cover annual leave you'll end up covering sick absence.
It's very unlikely that it's been planned into the revision for you to go to other offices and to be honest after a revision there's unlikely to be spare capacity in your own office anyway.

[mrhappy22]

Just a bit of advice, I recommend you state clearly to ATOS what role you would like to do in relation to successfully managing your condition.

I've been through over 24 ATOS 'interviews' in relation to my depression and anxiety over the last 22 months.

Be clear about what would help you to stay with Royal Mail - including asking for a driving job or mail centre role if that's what would best suit you.

Always request copies of the ATOS report be sent to your home address and read them carefully.

Keep ALL copies of the reports in a designated folder.

If there is anything missing that you feel you want included then contact ATOS to insist they include it.

Ask for a copy of the amended report be sent to your home address.

It's your report and you have the right to have what is actually discussed in the interview to be included.

ATOS health practitioners are geared towards getting you back to the role you are currently employed to do - if you are a delivery postman then that will be what they base any Re-hab plan on - getting you back on delivery.

The reports themselves are often just a summary of what has been discussed - often leaving out huge chunks of important information.

Your condition is most likely to be covered by the Equality Act so Royal Mail have an obligation to consider reasonable adjustments.

Remember that the bottom line is ATOS are there to support your manager in getting you back to work - they are paid by Royal Mail to do that.

Your GP will hopefully have your best interests at heart.

Ensure you state how your condition affects your daily life outside of work in each ATOS interview - management will just rely on the latest ATOS report - even if you have discussed other health/welfare problems in previous consultations so REPEAT everything.

Don't think that management will be able to see what would be best for you in your job on the basis of the ATOS Report alone - tell them - either verbally or in writing.

Get your GP on board in helping you to manage your condition in relation to your workplace - ask them to make note of the discussions you may have with them around work issues, including how supported you feel at work.

Management will always take the advice of ATOS over your GP and even your GP may be reluctant to get involved due to possible conflicts with ATOS but do persist.

It sounds obvious but get in the habit of keeping a diary - note any problems/issues at work and keep a record of ways you've asked for help from your line management.

Most of all mate, just stay in good mental health.

I've found the last 3 years of revision activity to be the most stressful period of my life - I've had no routine, very poor support from management and I've never felt so low as I did in 2013.

ATOS seem to have realised they need to react to Mental Health and muscular - skeletal issues and they are making an attempt at managing these issues in 2014 - just ask for help and try to work out what suits you - you won't get the perfect job but you may get one that you can cope with.

Best of luck.

[Lounge Lizard]

As has been said this is where ATOS can help.
Get ATOS to report that you have a disability under the Equality Act and should be retained on your existing round, and all will be well.
Good luck.