Work Stress Problems Advice require Plz

leona71

Hi

I hope someone can advise. I am off sick at the moment with 'work related stress/depression'. I have been off work since November 2006. I won't go into all the details but I am still signed off sick but slowly getting better.

My work has now asked me to nominate a Solicitor which they will pay for to move the consultation foward as they can't wait any longer. I'm not sure if i am mentally fit enough to do this yet.

The Department is going through a change in structure and want to move me to another building, change my job title and change 40% of my job.

Do i have to go along with their demands to move things forward even though i am sick and finding it hard to think nevermind Solicitors and stuff!!

Help would be appreciated?

Leona

Astaroth

To be honest I think it is good that they have offered to pay for a solicitor for you to ensure that your voice is heard.... I suspect the majority of companies would simply have expected you to deal with it yourself or simply gone along the lines of "silence is acceptance" if you did not respond.

I do not know "the law" but I certainly would imagine that they can go ahead without you... if they couldnt then any closure of a department/ building etc could simply be stopped by one of the employees going off sick.

If you want definative advice on what your employers can and cant do then contact ACAS for independant advice. Remember however they advise on the law and this is not always the best for your career prospects

RibenaBerry_2

I agree with Astaroth. Although it's really tough for you, I don't think that you you can legally make them put your whole department's restructuring on hold. They have to make adjustments for your disability (i.e. ongoing illness) to help you participate in what's going on, but it sounds like they are trying to do that by offering you a lawyer.

I would take them up on their offer. Although it might be difficult to sit through a meeting with the lawyer, at least you will know where you stand.

leona71

Thanks for your replies...

Yes I agree I do think that they are very thoughtful by offering to provide a lawyer (one of my choice).

There are a lot of things to sort out re my job, I have worked there 10 years and the last thing i want is to leave but i may have no option if they are adding and changing things to my job. Because of the new restructuring within the Dept I'm having to like or lump it!

I have various issues about the changes though. How long does a consultation last? Weeks? I've never been through this sort of thing before.

Leona

CFC

How do you feel about leaving? It sounds like redundancy might be an option for you if you wanted it.

Or a compromise agreement. It's rare for them offering to pay for a solicitor of your choice under other circumstances, to be honest.....you might want to think about whether now would be a good time to go, especially if you dont' fancy the changes to your job.

PS consultation length depends on number of people affected. Can be 90 days or 30 days.

ailuro2

Would the new place be better,working with better people in a more interesting, less stressful position?

It might be to your benefit. Are you in a union,could you ask them for help?

Or do you feel you should ask for a package as the job has become too detrimental to your health.

Sometimes you need to get rid of the outside stresses before the inner ones can disappear. Been there, done that, so I know it's not east when you're going through it, ask for help and you will find some help to come to a decision.

RibenaBerry_2

CFC is right, consultation on restructuring depends on how many people are affected. 30 days if 20 or more, 90 if over 100. There is no set length if it's less than 20 people, but usually at least a couple of weeks if a group of people is involved (depends how complicated it all is really).

leona71

I've been in my present job for 10 years and it's never really changed until now when new Management came in and decided that things are changing! I think everyone else in the Department team have changed into their new positions and the restructuring has taken place except for me and this other lady that is also off sick due to stress.

They want to move me onto a Reception desk to do my present job and also answer calls, greet visitors albeit a quiet reception same Company different building. I don't want to be a Receptionist, I've worked hard to obtain my HND in Accountancy and currently work part time doing the Department Accounts, plus I man a Facilities Helpdesk (this isn't busy thou). I am not keen on Reception at all, I'm used to my own private desk space to do my work etc. I'd hate to be working on a Reception Desk, it just isn't me.

Any advice to what i should do would be great. Do i ask the Company to do a deal with me regarding Pay in Lou of notice or something?

Thanks for your help....

leona71

Received a letter today asking to go to a meeting on Monday and to take my Solicitor with me. Their Company Solicitor will be present also.

I am still off sick and feel i am not physically or mentally prepared for this meeting. What should I do?? What can i do?

Plz can someone advise? Thanks

CFC

Well you could ask for them to reschedule the meeting, but you're going to have to face it at some point.

Perhaps you could speak to your solicitor and ask him to meet the company's solicitor on his own and relay their offer or opinion back to you at your leisure. Tell him that you do not like the sound of the job after the changes, tell him what kind of money you would like as a pay off if you leave, and let him negotiate on your behalf?