Hi sorry this is going to be a rant....

I work in an office block and my dept moved to a different floor yesterday, we were warned in advance by others it was a cold spot. This morning when I went in it was sooo cold as the air con was blowing out a continuous cold draught, I ended up with 4 layers of clothes on as my joints and muscles are very sensitive to the cold. For me, 10 minutes of sitting in a cold draught causes a days worth of pain.
I advised my manager the 1st chance I saw her to say it was too cold for me and her words were its your own fault we told you it would be cold and you chose the coldest desk. (we are a group of 8 desks all joined together to create a little pod and and all the desks on the pod were equally cold, I did select the desk yesterday when it wasn't cold but had no other option than that pod so whichever desk I chose it would be cold today).
I explained it was too uncomfortable for me and that after sitting there for nearly 2 hours my joints were stiff and already extremely painful she just shrugged, I reminded her she did have a duty of care for my health as she is aware of my arthritis and she simply replied I know I do. I said if it stays like this I won't be able to put up with much more and I will have to go home so she said well just go then....so I did!
I've been home a couple of hours and have got the heating on and a hot water bottle trying to warm myself up but my shoulders and elbows are really stiff and painful now.
I will now have to go in on Monday and no doubt face the wrath of her but I'm really quite angry at her response, I was so cold and in a lot of pain and to have her just shout across the office its your own fault - to be honest I just wanted to cry I know I need to toughen up!

Anway sorry for this little rant but just needed to get it off my chest

Deb xx

What a cow! I'd be ranting too and extremely upset over this. Definitely write it all down with times, dates and witnesses present. I hope you're in the union and can go to them for help and advice. I don't really know what your rights are but have a look at the Equality Act to see if you can glean anything. I hope other members can give you some sound advice. I'm really badly affected by the cold too. It makes me tense and I tend to seize up so i do sympathise. XXXX

Hi Deb

That is totally shocking and I hope you get it resolved. What about the rights that us folk with chronic conditions are meant to have? I hope you keep us posted on how it goes tomorrow but when you don't have the support you are entitled to it can leave you feeling worse mentally which in turn can have a knock-on affect.

Please let us know how it goes.

Lisa xx

Hi Deb

I don't blame you for having a rant. Sadly this lack of support and sensitivity is all too common these days but that doesn't excuse it. Do look at the Equality act and check out the ACAS website- there might be something useful on that. As others have said, keep a detailed log of EVERYTHING. Put your concerns in writing and keep a copy- both e mail and hard copies then you have written evidence. If you don't get a written response then write again, stating something to the effect that you are disappointed that your concerns have not been addressed. Send a copy to occupational health and anyone else who might be relevant i.e someone like her manager. Also- I recommend you take someone with you as a witness if you need to discuss it with your boss. Or- tell her you wish to have someone with you and have the meeting minuted. I had to deal with my very unpleasant headmaster and I never saw him on my own. I learned that bosses have a habit of denying things! Please, please don't get involved in a conversation by yourself as it's your word against hers. Another thing- is your GP supportive? Time off, with a sick note stating the cause is also useful documentation. Sorry to sound like the schoolteacher I am but I've learned a lot of this through experience ( although in my case it wasn't anything to do with my RA) of fighting a nasty boss.

all the best- don't let the b*****d get away with it