Hi, i am a type 1 diabetic, and i also have heart problems, issues with my feet and have just been told i have the start of Necrobiotic Lipoidica Diabeticorum. My Diabetician has advised that either getting a more sedantry job, or cutting my hours down would be benificial (i currently do a physical job where i am standing all day and do 50 hours a week). I have approached my employer and he refuses to allow me to drop my hours to 40 per week. Is my request classed as a "Reasonable adjustment?". I dont consider my request unreasonable, and i feel sure that he must be in breach of the equality act by refusing this request. Anyone have a factual opinion? Thanks.
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Lowering working hours
- Thread starter CraigJ
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Hello @CraigJ
Welcome to the forum.
Really sorry to hear about your situation and that your employer is making things more difficult for you.
It certainly sounds like a reasonable adjustment to me. I wonder if the Diabetes UK Careline or Citizen’s Advice might be able to help you.
Are you a member of a union? Sounds like just the sort of time when that would be very useful!
Welcome to the forum.
Really sorry to hear about your situation and that your employer is making things more difficult for you.
It certainly sounds like a reasonable adjustment to me. I wonder if the Diabetes UK Careline or Citizen’s Advice might be able to help you.
Are you a member of a union? Sounds like just the sort of time when that would be very useful!
MikeyBikey
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- Type 1
Good advice. I went part time when long term diabetes and CVD started hitting my energy levels - no problems! But then later I was made redundant (pay off based on p/t salary never mind earlier years) as someone full time was required and they were changing technologies. A year later they have not employed anyone and bar a few very short term contacts I am nearing retirement.
Depending on your age a lighter job may be a better option. But that is my opinion!
Depending on your age a lighter job may be a better option. But that is my opinion!
Thebearcametoo
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- Parent of person with diabetes
ACAS or a Union would be able to give you specific advice but I would say a reduction in hours to still over full time is more than reasonable and that there needs to be an HR assessment of what needs to change in terms of letting you sit more etc. If it’s a small firm with little useful HR then that may be more difficult but it’s still worth putting in for an assessment. Generally if an employer isn’t amenable to obvious changes that will reduce harm to an employee then you’re better off moving that fighting though. It depends if it’s one manager or from higher up.
No, just a small family butchers
The company i am employed with, is just a small family retail / catering butchers, with no HR or union. I don't want to just leave as i dont think i should have to. Id rather take it down a legal road if i have to, but would rather he just agreed to my request.
Bronco Billy
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- Parent of person with diabetes
Here’s a bit of bedtime reading for you.
https://www.acas.org.uk/article/6074/Reasonable-adjustments-in-the-workplace
Reasonable Adjustments is a major part of the Equality Act and sets out the rights of disabled people in education, work and when accessing services.
https://www.acas.org.uk/article/6074/Reasonable-adjustments-in-the-workplace
Reasonable Adjustments is a major part of the Equality Act and sets out the rights of disabled people in education, work and when accessing services.
Cheers, I'd say that that about reinforces my position and is in line with what i am trying to achieve. Thank you.
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