Disabled workplace chairs

[henry1954]

Hi..I'm a worker with a disability..I have question for cwu reps..we have some chairs that have been supplied in the workplace for the large letter section..these were issued several years ago and as such are falling apart ..we have asked several employers and the union don't seem to want to know..how can we get a decent workplace chair.(as an important aside one employee has got a new chair but nothing for us?l)!

[TrueBlueTerrier]

The Union itself are not responsible for getting the chair, but they should be representing your issues to management. If you feel they aren't then as a member of any union you are entitled to go to the Area H&S Rep and if they don't help keep climbing the ladder to division and even HQ. Indeed if speaking to the rep hasn't worked, I would consider putting a request for assistance in writing, email perhaps. Then at least you have a record.

You could also ask Citizens advice who can provide advice on how to proceed with it in a formal manner with the employer if the Union do not step up to the mark.

[redlen]

You mention you are a worker with a disability? That covers many descriptors, be that mobility, sensory impairment, etc.

Is the employer aware of your disability and are you classed as disabled under the Equality Act 2010 through a health care professional assessment?

Has a workplace risk assessment (Safe Systems of Work) recommended an ergonomic chair that will make your work time more comfortable for your specific condition?

Have you made a formal request in writing to your employer and had a meeting for you to explain the request?

This is not a simple one cap fits all with requests for reasonable adjustments and disability with a
black and white response,

By not providing a specific chair, is the employer putting you at a substantial disadvantage over an able bodied employee?

Will it be reasonable and proportionate to replace the chairs to achieve a legitimate aim?

[POSTMAN]

Send an email to the CEO & CC in miss unfortunately, Jenny Hall...

simon.d.thompson@royalmail.com
jenny.hall@royalmail.com

[redlen]

Would they not simply ignore these emails expecting the employee to exhaust the official local procedure first before escalating?


What the employee needs to do is to submit the request in writing to the Delivery Office Manager, email if possible. That way, you have an official cause of action as a reference source if the matter needs escalating.

[chuckychucks]

Have you tried getting on the access to work programme which I believe can be accessed via your local Jobs & Benefits office?

They will help you get the equipment you need such as a perch stool.

Worth a try, just Google ‘Access to work programme’

Good luck