Work related stress

SHEILA54

Hi
My daughter has been signed of work for the past 2 months with work related stress. Her GP had suggested that she asked to see an occupational therapist at work to help with the issue, which she did 5 weeks ago by letter, 3 weeks ago over the phone and then 1 week ago by letter. The matter has been going on for over 6 months and she has already had informal discussions with her line manager and HR manager but, as yet, has not raised a grievance. There has been no response to the request for an occupational therapist but the HR manager has asked to talk to her. She feels that she would prefer to speak to someone impartial, as her GP suggested. She then received a hand delivered letter yesterday stating that her sickness money expired on 4th May but still nothing about seeing an occupational therapist.

It appears that they are trying to avoid the issue and think that the lack of pay will make her return to work without addressing the problem.

She has worked for them part time for nearly 6 years and would like to know where to go from here? Is she entitled to ask for an occupational therapist and what are her company's responsibilities in this matter?

Another grey area would be, would it go against her if she started to look for another job?

Thanks

marybelle01

The employer isn't obliged to provide an occupational therapist. They aren't even obliged to have one! She hasn't raised a grievance; she's been asked to speak to HR and isn't agreeing - she's in imminent danger of damaging her own position here, and ending up on the receiving end of possible disciplinary/ capability proceedings which could damage her references. You say they are avoiding the issue - isn't she doing the same? No grievance, no talking to HR? This is just an impasse, and she needs to break it. An occupational therapist can't do that anyway. Only she can.

ktothema

Your daughter needs to figure out whether she intends to raise a grievance or not. If she does intend to, then it would be better to get this done and dusted quickly. If not, then she needs to figure out if she wants to stay or quit.

Also, further to Marybelle's post, an HR person is in theory impartial. Your daughter should be able to state that she's willing to speak to hr as long as the person/s are not present. At least for an initial meeting. I'm aware most HR don't seem to act impartial, but I've come across OH who are exactly the same.

SHEILA54

Hi
Her GP said that her employers would provide an OT and that it was her right to ask for one. She thought it was the best solution. Do you have any literature to support your viewpoint or qualifications please?
I am just trying to find out what is right.

McKneff

In what way is work stressing her, is there too much of it, is it beyond her capapbilities, is she being bullied.

She really needs to do something proactive about it rather than waiting for someone else ie you or her employer to do it for her.

jetplane

SHEILA54 wrote: »

Hi
Her GP said that her employers would provide an OT and that it was her right to ask for one. She thought it was the best solution. Do you have any literature to support your viewpoint or qualifications please?
I am just trying to find out what is right.

I hope I am reading this post wrong as it seems quite aggresive. You asked for advice on an MSE forum and then ask for literature or qualifications. If you want certificates go to an employment specialist.

Did the GP not say ask her employer for an OT assessment? Some companies don't even have an HR never mind an OT.

marybelle01

SHEILA54 wrote: »

Hi
Her GP said that her employers would provide an OT and that it was her right to ask for one. She thought it was the best solution. Do you have any literature to support your viewpoint or qualifications please?
I am just trying to find out what is right.

You mean you only take advice from people you think adequately qualified? Would you like me to PM you my CV so you can decide whether I am up to your standards? I am not the one who thinks all employers have an occupational therapist on the books - did you ask your GP what his employment law qualifications were before you accepted his word for something that is not true nor a right?

I do not have to justify myself or my advice to your. You asked and I was willing to give you the benefit of my advice as a manager of many years standing. Asking for advice here doesn't give you the right to insult people's intelligence because the advice isn't what your wanted to hear. I'm out.

ohreally

Why is an occupational thearapist being requested? Has confusion crept in with occupational health?

Emmzi

As an HR person for many years I can tell you marybelle's advice wss bang on. Your daughter has a right to ask for an OH referal and the employer has a right to refuse. Her absence is such that I would at this stage be looking to dismiss.

She's also stabbed herself in the foot by refusing to talk to HR.

Emmzi

sorry, yes, OT? Even less likely! OH maybe!

SHEILA54

Sorry if I sound aggressive, I have several screaming kids here and should not take it out on other people. She just asked me to find out as she is worried and doesn't know which way to turn at the moment.
She also is trying to find out what she should expect, having followed the GP'S advice, as she can't afford to stay off work indefinitely. She works for a large company with many outlets.