Jane

This is very strange. It could be classed as harassment, particulary as you have a sick note. Employers are not supposed to visit you at home without invitation and particulary en masse and even then they have to be very careful as it could look as if they are pushing you to return to work. You are within your rights to ask why they want to visit so that you are prepared before their arrival.

I would think your whacking big scar is evidence enough.

They will have to be very careful with this as it could also be classed as discrimination. Can someone else be there with you as a witness?

It may be very innocent but be very careful what you say. Listen to what they have to say and make no commitments. Going back to work too early could cause irreversible damage. You need to recuperate, get lots of physio done. Also there is your general RA to take into consideration.

I expect you would not want to refuse a home visit as we all like to be compliant with our bosses to safeguard our jobs.

Keep us posted.

Jackie
xx

Hi Jackie & Anne

I get they feel they want to come out - but 2 ?!
Last year when I had my foot op I saw noone and off for 12 weeks ish.

Am lucky to be working still unlike many ra people - earning a wage (for as long as I can).

Got an email late pm asking for home visit tomorrow under 24 hours notice, I emailed later and said how about the following day when my hubby around to take care of the loving hairy jump on your lap kiss kiss lick lick dogs!!

I work in the public sector where more cuts are likely anytime - say no more.
When I return I'm going on action plan because of 2 bouts of sickness pushing me over bradford score.

Being careful to mention where I work, the line of "disability & life long illness can be subjective to suit ?!!!

Maybe supervisor that refuses to "get ra" or bases on elderly mother has decided its time I return and gets the next line manager to crack the whip?!

Anyway, I'm wide awake
X

Hi Jane

I work in the Public Sector too and am surprised they can "spring" a visit on you like that. I thought that because it is a chronic condition we are sort of covered under DDA where sickness is concerned?

I still think there is so much discrimination with RA and a lot of it has to do with being misunderstood and sometimes "we don't look ill".

Please let us know how the visit goes.

Kindest wishes.

Lisa xx

Jane

My company also runs on a rolling 12 month sickness but luckily they don't halve my pay after a certain time. They have been fantastic about my RA but I feel they expect me to keep going as long as possible without taking sickness. I had my first knee replacement two and half years ago but really should be moving onto the other knee which I have been told I need to have replaced. However, I am conscious that I am not indispensible, so I am going to try and last longer before the next op even though my mobility is poor and it causes me lots of pain.

Unfortunately you can be dismissed if you are incapable of doing your job due to persistent or long term sickness absence. However, this can only happen
if your employer has firstly made ‘reasonable adjustments’ to avoid you being put at a disadvantage compared to non-disabled people in the workplace. For example, adjusting your working hours or providing you with a special piece of equipment to help you do the job.

It is so frustrating that we try and keep working and don't claim benefits but sometimes I wonder why when we are causing so much damage to ourselves in the long run. However, I am also desperate to keep my job for three reasons. I am the only wage earner in my family of three as my Husband had to take early retirement due to ill health. It keeps me sane and motivated. I don't think benefits are going to be easy to come by even with a chronic long term illness.

Keep us posted and keep strong.

Jackie
xx