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Driving for work

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RobP

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Type 1
Hi

I am a type 1, non insulin dependant diabetic. Diagnosed in March 2017.

In July 2017 I TUPE transferred to a new company. As part of that transfer I have just had an occupational health assesment and the company have told me that as I have type 1 Diabetes they will not permit me to drive on company business and also to lone work. Both of these are integral parts of my job.

The vehicle I have been driving for the company is a Ford Connect, this vehicle I used to take home every night as did my collegues who do the same job as me.

Have any of you been in a similar situation and can offer me any guidance based on your experience?

Thank you in advance for your help.
 
RobP said:
Hi

I am a type 1, non insulin dependant diabetic. Diagnosed in March 2017.

In July 2017 I TUPE transferred to a new company. As part of that transfer I have just had an occupational health assesment and the company have told me that as I have type 1 Diabetes they will not permit me to drive on company business and also to lone work. Both of these are integral parts of my job.

The vehicle I have been driving for the company is a Ford Connect, this vehicle I used to take home every night as did my collegues who do the same job as me.

Have any of you been in a similar situation and can offer me any guidance based on your experience?

Thank you in advance for your help.
Click to expand...
Sorry I can't help with your query, but you state your Type 1 non insulin dependent, it is unusual for Type 1 not to be on Insulin.
 
Consultant has said that I am in my "honeymoon period" before my pancreas stops producing insulin.
 
Hello Rob. I don't know how you can be a T1 & not on insulin ?. I have been T1 from the age of 3 & used to drive from the NE to London every 3 days by myself. Good luck with your probs at work. Big difference between T1 & T2
 
RobP said:
Consultant has said that I am in my "honeymoon period" before my pancreas stops producing insulin.
Click to expand...
So by that I infer that you will be at some point.
I don't know what is Ford Connect but Diabetics on Insulin can have restrictions on their licences.
You could try ringing the Diabetes UK helpline.
 
RobP said:
Hi

I am a type 1, non insulin dependant diabetic. Diagnosed in March 2017.

In July 2017 I TUPE transferred to a new company. As part of that transfer I have just had an occupational health assesment and the company have told me that as I have type 1 Diabetes they will not permit me to drive on company business and also to lone work. Both of these are integral parts of my job.

The vehicle I have been driving for the company is a Ford Connect, this vehicle I used to take home every night as did my collegues who do the same job as me.

Have any of you been in a similar situation and can offer me any guidance based on your experience?

Thank you in advance for your help.
Click to expand...
Hi RobP, welcome to the forum 🙂 I haven't been in your situation, so can't share any experiences there. How did you come to be diagnosed? Were you put on insulin initially and then had to stop? Sometimes, injecting results in giving the pancreas a 'rest' can help it recover to some extent so you may be in that situation. Honeymoon periods can be very unpredictable, unfortunately. I suppose your new employer is covering themselves for the future, as there could be a sudden change in your circumstances which will restrict your driving license.

As suggested, I would call the Diabetes UK Helpline service, they should be able to advise on your rights - details here:

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/how_we_help/helpline
 
Well if the Connect is big enough to need what was the old 'C1' licence then it is true that all insulin dependent diabetics 'automatically' lose that category - but we can apply to have it re-instated. Whether we get it back or not depends on our individual circumstances and no employer can possibly assume that all Type 1s will have the same result.

I'm not sure but isn't refusing to allow T1s to do a job they are licensed to do, discrimination?
 
Hi, you mention you’re not insulin dependent, do you take any insulin at all? It does sound odd in that case and I think you might have a case for discrimination either way.
 
The C1 wouldn't apply then would it? So unless his car driving licence has been revoked by DVLA - how can someone just decide a person isn't allowed to drive it?
 
Hi All

Thanks for your replies. I was diagnosed in March 2017 after going to docs after loosing 1.5 stone in 6 weeks and feeling completely exhausted. My weight has now stabilised at just under 9 stone. My blood sugar levels were at around 30, i was put on glyclazide for about a month to reduce those. Now my blood sugars are between 5 and 10 normally (with no medication). I have had numerous blood tests and scans and the consultant is certain i have type 1 diabetes.

The Ford Connect can be driven on a normal uk car driving licence and i follow the doctor, consultant and dvla guidance.

I'll give the Diabetes UK helpline a call.

Thanks
 
It jogs a memory that someone on here was in a similar situation, (I think they worked for London Underground, or Network Rail, or similar), not being allowed to work on their own, but I can't remember if we ever heard how it ended. Sorry to be so vague, but I'm hoping maybe someone else will remember. @Stitch147 it rings a bell that you had some input on it, because of your job.
 
Is there anything within the 'company policy' that actually states what you say about T1's not being allowed to drive on business/work alone? you could query if it says 'on medication' or 'on hypo inducing medication' as a get out clause for you to carry on as you are. You are in a funny situation of being diagnosed T1 but currently not taking any medication (long may it continue) but as others have said one day you will be on insulin.
 
RobP said:
Hi All

A quick update for you....my consultant wrote a letter to my employer explaining in 3 pages of medical language why should be allowed to drive....within minutes my driving permit was reinstated.

🙂
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Fantastic news and a big worry off your mind.
Three pages of medical language eh, sounds like your doc was well annoyed with them 🙂:D
 
RobP said:
Hi All

A quick update for you....my consultant wrote a letter to my employer explaining in 3 pages of medical language why should be allowed to drive....within minutes my driving permit was reinstated.

🙂
Click to expand...
Excellent news @RobP! 🙂 Sounds like he left them in no doubt (or thoroughly bamboozled!) 🙂
 
RobP said:
Hi All

A quick update for you....my consultant wrote a letter to my employer explaining in 3 pages of medical language why should be allowed to drive....within minutes my driving permit was reinstated.

🙂
Click to expand...
Great news Rob. I am so pleased for you. Great to have a supportive consultant for matters like this.
 
Well - you might enquire (at some later stage obviously when the brouhaha has died down) whether they've bothered to rethink their driving at work policy!

Good for you, anyway. I'm pleased!
 
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