Final written warning

[IloveNS]

Hi, I'll try and keep this as brief as possible and thanks for reading:-D

 

I have worked for my company for four years now and am currently undergoing assessment for bi-polar disorder. I feel that numerous incidents in work have triggered long periods of absence due to anxiety and depression. On returning to work each time I have been given formal warnings that lead up to a final written. In the final written, my union rep left his phone on record during the adjournment (while my line manager and a senior manager from another store decide my fate) which I wasn't aware of until after the final written had been issued. the first thing you hear on the recording is the senior manager calling me a name related to sterio-types of mental illness and also using the f word in the remark. following this (quite rightly) my rep was suspended however, the final still stood. Surely, they should have ATLEAST re-done that meeting? especially since what happened was of no fault of my own?

The other main incident that has affected my health, was earlier in my employment with them, working as a team leader on nights (one of 3 women) I experienced sexual harassment from my manager where he took my phone from me and tried to go through my videos and pictures while saying 'I bet youve got loads of dirty ones of yourself' on a table full of male colleagues. This made some of them feel it was ok to join in. After a very short period of this I started to experience panic attacks and was signed off by the doctor. I had a home visit with personnel and made the complaint. some time later she tells me this manager has been 'spoken to'. Not feeling this was adequate, I stepped down and went back onto days. My file has four years worth of doctors notes stating depression and anxiety, which comes under disability (and especially will be if I'm diagnosed as bi-polar) and yet I seen to have been punished for this every step of the way. I am by no means saying that work caused this, but these things have definitely not helped and have probably triggered some of the relapses in my illness. Does anyone know were I might stand with this as it just doesn't seem right. thanks for your time everyone.

[billathome65]

Hi sorry to hear that you are experiencing issues due to your mental health.

 

Firstly the comment made by your manger was totally unacceptable and using the F word in the sentence shows a great deal of contempt so I can fully understand you feeling aggrieved. You are well within your rights to put forwards a grievance over this but what is the outcome you want?

 

I can't see them redoing the meeting again especially if you did not appeal the decision. If it was less than 7 days ago get an appeal put in.

 

As you state your absences have been down to your mental health you may fall under the EA are you on long term medication for which if you did not take it you would be unable to function effectively if so I would sit down with your manager with a rep and make him aware of it as this may also support your absence percentage in our place if someone is covered under the EA the percentage bar is highered.

 

Also if you are diagnosed with Bi Polar you will in my opinion qualify under the EA and your employer must then address any reasonable support issues you may require.

 

Have you considered contacting MIND as they may be able to advise and even a visit to the disability advice worker at your local job centre may open more options to you.

 

If your mental health has lead to a final written warning then best start supporting yourself by being more proactive.

 

Regards Bill

[Emmzzi]

have you seen occupational health? I'd ask to be referred if not.