Hi I recevied a phone call from my manager yesterday requesting a meeting at home with a HR person present. I asked the reason for this and was advised that due to being of sick for three week would need to come and have a chat to see how things are going. Fine, my manager then said that she had another issue that she wished to talk to me about, but as I was not at work she would want to talk to me about this to. Asked why HR would be present and she said policy. Asked if I could have someone present was advised yes. Contacted HR later that day as something did not seem right went through this with HR guy who told me that manager had told him that my husband would be at the meeting in our own home. Advised that there seemed to be other issues that she did not want to disclose and should I have a union rep with me. He advised that perhaps I should. My manager seems to be trying to get rid of me and I have been feeling harrased by her. My medical problems have been genuine and my doctor advised that some of the stress from work are making them worse. Any suggestions??
Hi Bowkett66
I do hope your meeting, as stated above, went well, as this saga seems to be going on for ages. Hopefully you had an advocate present at the meeting who understood and advised you of your rights.
From what you said I think there are two issues ie (!) your medical condition (2)"other work issues" with your manager.
You stated that you have genuine medical problems which are now exacerbated by workrelated stress. Psychological Stress certainly is a major cause of illness no matter where it originates.
Once workrelated stress is mentioned Management, HR and Insurers go into overdrive. This is understandable as workrelated stress is compensable. Insurers dread this condition as it is quite complex sometimes to identify or seperate the cause, i.e. work-related or nonwork-related.
If your Doctor has issued a medical certificate stating your pre-existing medical condition is exacerbated by work-related stress this is a very serious diagnosis from a Management/HR/IR perspective. Many medical practitioners shy away from this diagnosis as it usually creates a lot of explaning for them. Insurers do not take this diagnosis lightly. Since it's not clear what the issues are between you and your manager it is difficult to give advice. It would seem that the issues are considerable as you mention that your manager is "trying to get rid" of you.
If your pre-existing medical condition is aggravated by the stress at work you have a right to claim workers compensation ie medical expenses, wages etc. If going down that road get advice and support immediately.
However, you need to understand that Management will not accept the diagnosis of a GP and has the right to refer you to a Doctor of choice, usually, an Occupational Physician and /or Medical Specialist/Psychologist, depending on your condition. There will also be an investigation into your claim by the Insurer who will interview you, your manager, and, other employees in your area of work. The Union will also investigate on your behalf, as well as HR/IR.
Ensure that you have a Union Rep. with you at every meeting. Get advice and support re your rights. Hopefully, you have written proof of your difficulties with your manager. Document every meeting with everyone.
Understand your rights re getting your medical expenses paid by the insurer if your condition is work-related. No payment will be made of course until investigations are complete. Hold your head high and do not let judgemental people upset you. So many people suffer in silence.
Good luck on your journey to full recovery.
IrishAussie