Returning to Work - Company Trying to Sideline Me
Hi everyone,
I was wondering if anyone has had experience with their work trying to side-line them when they come back to work?
I work in a large public sector hospital and have been out from work for just over 2 years. Our Occupational Health consultant signed me off to return to work 7 weeks ago and I have had to chase my department and HR to start the process.
Last week I met with my new manager (started while I was out) and a HR person. They are attempting to put me into a role 2 levels below mine in an entirely different directorate doing data entry. HR person said I am unlikely to ever return to my department and that the office is not 'ergonomically suitable'.
Nothing in the Occupational Health report hints at anything to even remotely support this. Sitting near a window for light & temperature management and a phased return is all that is advised.
After a long battle with side effects I was prepared for the return to work to be difficult, but I thought it would be only managing side effects, fear of recurrence and awkwardness with colleagues, financial issues.
Is there any services that you know of for someone to come along to my next meeting to help me? Because they are behaving so badly I don't want to expose a colleague to any backlash for coming with me.
Does anyone have any suggestions or advice on how to proceed? Any help greatly appreciated!
Thank-you in advance :-)
Shocked and disappointed survivor
Comments
Thank-you for your advice, I have contacted my union and they are going to accompany me to my next meeting and ensure that the manager & HR person stop misrepresenting policies and make reasonable accommodations without abusing their position. I will contact the support line for a referral too.
Thank you for your post.
I am very sorry to read about the experience you have had trying to return to work after two years. Going forward I hope that you will feel more supported by your employer in your return to work.
Monaboob2021, we have practical and financial officers in the Irish Cancer Society who may be able to help and advise you about your return to work. If you would like to be referred to the practical and financial officer please contact the Support Line and we can refer you. The Support Line number is 1800 200 700, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. If you are a member of a trade union we would also recommend contacting them for further information and support.
Kind regards,
Cancer Nurse