New job, disability and agencies

tizhimi

Hi guys,

My first question so please be kind to me! :T

To cut a very long story short, (trust me this is a short version of my rant to my OH this evening) I've been off work for 18 months after being self employed running my own (fairly sucessful) business prior to that. I have spina bifida occulta with pars defect (back problems to me, I just nod and smile at the specialists when they use words like that) which prevented my from walking, let alone working. Now I am fit and well and raring to go thanks to the wonders of the NHS and accupunture! Er.... then I don't know if anyone noticed but there is a ressession on... this has meant no freelance work doing my own thing. Boo!

I am one of the lucky ones - I have got a job through an agency. (Woop Woop Woop) I started tuesday (25th Aug) and I have been progressively getting worse with my back problem because of the "darn" chairs in this office. I don't want to name names as to who I'm working for however they are a MAJOR insurance company and they have a policy in place for FULL TIME staff.

Now, I've been there a whole two days and I can't walk properly again... Its all because of the chair - I know it is because if anyone has ever had a back problem they can talk for hours about chairs (sad I know but we cripples have to stick together).

It looks like I'm making a fuss in my new job already. OK its a RUBBISH job and I went on their "Intranet" and printed out a work station assessment to hand into my "line manager" (I've never had a manager let alone a line manager before!) and he was saying how expensive decent chairs are etc and sometimes its the agency that have to pay etc. and then it may take months to even get a semi decent chair.

Its day the end of day two and I can't function, my best mate works in this place of doom too and she is fighting my corner but the "work station assessment" got put in an "in tray" and shoved to one side. I don't think they realise this is my life and I enjoy walking (its not that over rated).

Sorry I've ranted, I sound like a right one don't I?

I ticked the box in the agency where it said "do you have a disability?" YES---- now please can you give me a better chair!

Cheers guys - :beer: any advice as to where Mrs Cripple is legally with everything that would be lovely.

Tiz

(oh no I just realised I might have been better posting this in the disability forum - sorry!)

SomeBozo

You need a workstation assessment.

It could be other things so don't concentrate too much on the chair for now. It could be VDU position, height of desk etc.

Bozo

tizhimi

Hey, cheers for replying. I'm positive its the chair but you are right it might be something else (but I swear its the chair!)

Cheers again

Tiz

McKneff

Dig your heels in, doesnt matter if youre the new girl, they have to accommodate you. Litigation can be expensive, mention it to the HR Dept,
mention it to anyone who will listen. You are entitled.

tizhimi

I'm just a temp, (a lowly, lowly, crippled temp.) I'm concerned that they could give the shove at any time (my productivity is a lot lower 'cos I'm in so much darn pain because if the chair!) I feel like I'm rubbing people up the wrong way, I'm a nice girl who doesn't want to moan at work (or after work to that matter). Sorry guys!

Fleago

tizhimi,

Access to Work may be able to provide an assessment for you and very possibly pay for any chair/other aids you might need. There's a link on that page to the contact numbers, and it is certainly worth you ringing them to find out if you are eligible. Even if you're not eligible for help with this job, with it being temporary, you probably would be for a permanent job.

Hope this helps,

Fleago

tizhimi

Thank you that is a brilliant source of information, much appreciated

ohreally

The employer must provide a safe working environment - sec 2 health safety at work act. To comply with their duties under sec 1 of the above, the management of health and safety at work is important as it outlines how the employer achieves this, reg 3 places a duty on the employer to carry out a risk assessment http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1999/19993242.htm#3 , regulation 6 (if identified by the RA), he then is required to provide health surveillance http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1999/19993242.htm#6. Under the provision and use regs the work equipment must be fit for purpose http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1998/19982306.htm#4

Have a word with a union safety rep if you persist in having problems after discussing the above with management.

Oldernotwiser

Is it perhaps that your problems are because you're sitting down all the time? If so, you may need to consider different types of work. Good luck with getting it sorted.

Happy_Girl_2

How long is the temp assignment for?

I'm in a similar boat. I have mobility problems, and I've learned that public sector organisations are much more sympathetic towards disabilities. After a couple of agencies didn't really understand my problems and sent me for inappropriate interviews, I gave up and concentrated entirely on public sector

I'm not actually sure if the company do have the same commitments to temp staff that they do with perm staff over providing special chairs etc, especially if you are only going to be there a short while. It may be a better option for you to cut your losses and focus on getting a perm job with a more sympathetic employer?

Good luck but don't despair. One bad experience doesn't mean you won't ever get the right job. I admit after being sent to interviews where I couldn't even access the building, I did begin to worry I might never find a job, but I have just secured a perm role in the public sector so you can do it too

Horace

Access to Work Operational Support Unit
1st Floor, Alexandra House
377 Cowbridge Road East
Cardiff CF5 1WU

Tel: 029 2042 3291

Tel: 029 2064 4886

Fax: 029 2042 3342


If you are self employed and need adaptions for your home office then they will bear the whole cost. With an employer, the employer will have to pay part of the cost.

Speak to your agency - I know you say you are a nice girl that doesnt want to make a fuss but there are times when you need to stand up for your rights and this is one of them. By keeping quiet you are putting your own health and wellbeing at risk.