Reasonable Adjustments

ReadingTim

I wonder whether it's anything to do with the job being in a call centre where operatives might not have an assigned spot, but rather expected to hot desk - I've certainly dome temp jobs like that where you're moved around from day to day, plus there was an evening shift which came in after I knocked off.

In a hot desking environment, having one desk which could only be used by one person might not be a reasonable adjustment - especially as everyone else will want the larger screen too....

Lurkerderp

I've worked in call centres that practice hot desking for over 10 years, this is the first time it's ever been an issue.

Although I totally agree that height is not a disability, forcing me to sit at a desk that is ergonomically unsuitable is just going to cause issues further down the line. Likewise a screen I can't see properly is going to lead to headaches and eyestrain.

I'm not asking for any particular advantage, just a level playing field with everyone else.

marliepanda

Lurkerderp wrote: »

I've worked in call centres that practice hot desking for over 10 years, this is the first time it's ever been an issue.

Although I totally agree that height is not a disability, forcing me to sit at a desk that is ergonomically unsuitable is just going to cause issues further down the line. Likewise a screen I can't see properly is going to lead to headaches and eyestrain.

I'm not asking for any particular advantage, just a level playing field with everyone else.

Potentially too late now, but considering you hadnt actually sat at (I assume) the type of desk you would be sat at, I cant see how it would necessarily be ergonomically unsuitable.

Do you not have glasses or a way of working where you increase the zoom to help eye strain? A larger monitor is not the only way to fix eye strain...

ReadingTim

Lurkerderp wrote: »

forcing me to sit at a desk that is ergonomically unsuitable is just going to cause issues further down the line. Likewise a screen I can't see properly is going to lead to headaches and eyestrain.

Indeed, so mindful of the potential for such 'issues further down the line', the company has rescinded their offer of employment.

rtho782

As a short bloke, I wish I could have a level playing field with all the tall people!

There are so many stats around showing how society as a whole treats tall people preferentially

sangie595

Lurkerderp wrote: »

I've worked in call centres that practice hot desking for over 10 years, this is the first time it's ever been an issue.

Although I totally agree that height is not a disability, forcing me to sit at a desk that is ergonomically unsuitable is just going to cause issues further down the line. Likewise a screen I can't see properly is going to lead to headaches and eyestrain.

I'm not asking for any particular advantage, just a level playing field with everyone else.

I have to agree with marliepanda... Unless you have worked at the desk, how do you know it is ergonomically unsuitable? My colleague, who is exactly the same height as you, works happily at a standard desk - we have hot desking arrangements like many workplaces do. I am 5 feet 9 inches - I have a height adjustable and tiltable desk as a reasonable adjustment for my disability. So height does not determine the suitability of a desk on its own.

Equally, screen size may not be the only consideration as most IT has access features.

It seems to me that the issue here may not be the actual possible need for adjustments - more the fact that you have insisted on adjustments before you have even set foot in the place or checked the need. In the employers place, they may be wondering what comes next if they actually let you start. Certainly rather unfair - but life is. And please bear in mind that I am making that comment from a position of being severely disabled. So this is not about whether your condition amounts to a disability or whether the adjustments are reasonable or not.

Strategically, I think it might have been wise to at least turn up to work and give the existing conditions a try. If they then turned out to be impossible, show that, alongside why you are a great worker that they really want to keep. That's not about you being disabled (or not), that's about proving your worth to an employer in order to demonstrate that they sooooo want to keep you. Everyone has to do that.

lincroft1710

rtho782 wrote: »

There are so many stats around showing how society as a whole treats tall people preferentially

As it should! But airlines and bus operators seem not to follow this policy.

GlasweJen

The adjustment requested should have been a DSU assessment and an ergonomics assessment rather than a blanket “tall desk and 19” monitor”

TELLIT01

rtho782 wrote: »

As a short bloke, I wish I could have a level playing field with all the tall people!

There are so many stats around showing how society as a whole treats tall people preferentially

We taller folk get picked on too. Who do you think gets lumbered with hanging the crimbo decorations now that 'elf n safetee say you can't climb on desks or stand on chairs?

Masomnia

ReadingTim wrote: »

Indeed, so mindful of the potential for such 'issues further down the line', the company has rescinded their offer of employment.

If that's their thought process then it's textbook disability discrimination imho.

OP if you want to take it further you should get proper legal advice. No one here can really give you a proper appraisal of what your prospects would be if you did decide to take legal action.