Fired because I'm a diabetic

[bigjon1983]

Hi,
I'm a type 2 diabetic and I take byetta, insulin, and glictazide.
I started a temporary job in a prison on the 03/01/13 but have worked there through November last year through a recruitment agency as a OSG escorting contractors around the prison. On the first day I had health and safety and security chat. I informed them both I was diabetic and the S/O of security told me to carry my medication on me incase I need it. On the 09/01/13 I was off sick from work. I had a phone call from the recruitment agency and said that the manager of the works department said they don't want me back because I'm diabetic and a risk as I could collapse and prisoners take my keys. So from that day I have not been back but the recruitment agency have taken it to the prison hr and they are reevaluating his decision. Even if they decide to take me back I think it would be awkward to return. So I don't have a job now and struggling to pay my bills. Just wondering if any body else has been through this and what they done? Thanks for taking time to read this.

 

[megga]

Not to sure with agency, but i would get advice, the can let you go at any time, but not because race, gender or disability. Your being discriminated against, phone ACAS and find out what rights you have.

 

[Northerner]

Hi bigjon, welcome to the forum 🙂 Sorry to hear about the problems you have had with work. People with diabetes do have some protection under the Equality Act: https://www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under-equality-act-2010

However, I'm not sure how this might be applied for temporary work in a security setting. It sounds like discrimination to me Have you ever collapsed because of your diabetes? Are you blood sugars under good control?

 

[bigjon1983]

Thanks for advice. I passed out 4 year ago but that's when I was diagnosed that's it. My levels are a little high so just b4 Xmas I was put on to insulin. I was told that because he said he dont want me because of my diabetes I have a case. Ill go CAB tomo see what they say.

 

[Northerner]

Thanks for advice. I passed out 4 year ago but that's when I was diagnosed that's it. My levels are a little high so just b4 Xmas I was put on to insulin. I was told that because he said he dont want me because of my diabetes I have a case. Ill go CAB tomo see what they say.

Good luck, let us know how you get on 🙂

 

[HOBIE]

Good luck Jon ! 🙂

 

[Tina chick]

I know some when I was first diagnosed 12 years ago and there where diabetic type 1 on insulin there where a prison guard and didn't have any probes expect we're not allowed to carry there insulin around the prison with them

 

[trophywench]

Or 'sharps' LOL so may not be able to carry lancet with BG meter.

 

[rhall92380]

I know some when I was first diagnosed 12 years ago and there where diabetic type 1 on insulin there where a prison guard and didn't have any probes expect we're not allowed to carry there insulin around the prison with them

The Equality Act compels employers to make reasonable adjustments. If your insulin, etc, was stored in a safe place at work maybe you would be able to do the job?

Richard

 

[Lizzzie]

Can you seek legal advice? I'm not sure what it is you do in the prison, but is there a trade union? They may be able to support legal advice for you