Dear All,

Just thought I would let you know that I have go on sick leave from work since Monday with Work Related Stress.

I think that all thats happened the last few months since I had to raise a Grievance in work in November has finally taken its toll.

Ive had the worst flare up mostly on my shoulders which has been bad.

Im going to see my GP tomorrow. I spoke to the Acas Group who put me in touch with EHRC, i spoke to them on Monday and they said that as it was nearly 3 months since the incidents happened at work, then I need to send a completed ET1 form to the Employment Tribunal.

I didn't want to do this, but as I have had to appeal against the decision made by the employer, which again has caused me more stress I felt that I should. As they have admitted that I have been the victim of Bullying and Harassment in the workplace but they are not going to take any further action against the perpretators.

All of this when I'd just returned to Work in september and was loving being back at work. It's hard enough when you have to cope with RA - Then to get hassell from small minded people.

Anyway hope Ive not waffled too much.

Michelle.x.x

dear Michelle
My heart goes out to you, having gone through an awful time at work myself. My troubles started just after I was diagnosed - I won't bore you with all the details as it's quite convoluted. A new person was appointed to my department and she just would not accept that I was head of dept and announced she was going to do her 'own thing from the outset'. To cut a long story short, she kept 'telling tales' whenever she didn't get her own way or I and unfortunately management always took her side whnever I tried to put my point across. She even lied about me in front of me in a meetng with our team leader!!! It ended with me being called into the head's office, and being told that he was starting capability procedures against me, showing me a long list of supposed shortcomings, many of which were false and clearly instigated by my colleague. I was set lots of targets over a very short period of time with a written warning that failure to maintain a satisfactory standard could result in dismissal. With the help of my excellent unon rep, I managed to achieve all my targets, and in the initial meeting we had, the head was taken to task for not going through the correct procedures. To be honest, it nearly finished me off and since November I've had so many flares- despite the fact that the mtx had been working so well and I was looking forward to better days. I've also been getting stomach problems.For almost a year , I dreaded going to work, even though I struggled in as I was also being hounded for taking time off. I was devastated as in over 30 years of teaching at all levels, I've enjoyed good working relationships wth my staff and have been very conscientous. I did actually point this out to the head- funny how the situation had changed in the last 2 years after a change of staff! This all came on top of the fact that my dad had just died and mum had to go into a home, as well as still coming to terms with RA- talk about kicking you when you're down!! I still feel as if I have to watch my back all the time . I wish with hindsight, I'd taken the matter further,but to be honest, I'm not sure I would have coped. I try to move on ,and tell myself that she's the one with the problem, but sadly I've taken such a 'battering' that I can't. My morale is at an all time low and I'm beginning to doubt myself. I feel gutted that at a time when I was in need of help and support I was treated so badly. It turns out I wasn't the first to be picked on- but I was the first to fight back!!Sorry to go on so much, but I just wanted to share my experiences to let you know you're not alone- I'm sure there are others on here who have suffered too. I really admire you for raising a grievance.

I hope you can rest and that things will improve for you.

Look after yourself and remember we're always here to help.

Maria x

Hi Rich,

Thanks for your help, I have already submitted my ET1 form on Monday, and yesterday I got a reply from them to say that they have accepted my claim, and given me a case number, they have wrote to my employer who have 28 days to respond, so we will see what happens.

Thanks again
Michelle.x.x