Advice Needed...

[yerdusk]

Basically, I will try and be as straight to the point as possible.

I have Diabetes. Type 1 (means I need to inject insulin etc etc).

I work for Tesco.

Now I was off sick for 2 days due to a hypo. For those that dont know, blood sugar dropped too low and passed out. Mrs had to give me glucose to bring me round.

Anyways, Tesco have decided to take it to a discaplinary meeting due to my attendance level being unacceptable. Now, Diabetes is covered by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, and so this should prevent them from being able to give me any kind of warning/discaplinary action.

So what I want to know is, where do I stand with this? Meeting should be later today but am going to put it off until at least tmrw.

Rep for helpful answers.

Ads.

[benwelthy]

surely they should understand your condition bro, and if they don't use it against them, its stupid if they don't though!

x

[Quick]

You could try http://www.diabetes.org.uk/How_we_help/Careline/

Or your local citizen advice!

[AdamW]

Did you tell them on your application or during interview you had diabetes?

[steve_335]

They should be alright with it as long as they know, i have a mate who has diabetes and he works in a restaurant, if he needs a bit of time of they are fine with it, even at school he was allowed to take food into exams incase he needed it. If you lose your job, i would do them for unlawful dismissal.

[yerdusk]

I was diagnosed after I began working with them.

[AdamW]

Did you inform them you had been diagnosed?

[Quick]

Has HR/Management been informed of the conditon?
Note from doctor?

[yerdusk]

You see, they gave me a warning before for it, saying that it was my fault I had the hypo because I still drink alchohol and smoke. I appealed saying it was my choice and that I dont drink in excess of my allowed units. They still gave me the warning tho.

Tesco have no idea what its like to be diabetic. All they are interested in is giving out warnings.

[Curran]

I was diagnosed after I began working with them.

that doesnt matter.

they cant disiplin people because of a dissability.

[Quick]

Are you a member of a trade union?

[yerdusk]

Yes I informed them straight away. I was signed off for 2 months and as soon as I started on the insulin my condition was very unstable.

They have also applied for information from occupational health, but this has not come through yet, and they have said, due to no information, they can only follow their attendance/discaplinary procedures.

[yerdusk]

No, I have brought the union form home though, and will be filling it in before I go back later.

[Quick]

http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Living_with_diabetes/Everyday_life/Work_and_diabetes/

There is a phone number on there, best off phoning them for info/advice!

[yerdusk]

Thanks mate. Will ring them in a min. Repp'd

[matt_vtr_15]

No, I have brought the union form home though, and will be filling it in before I go back later.

dude what tesco u work at alfreton?

and thats shocking tbh they cant do anything dont worry about it at all and if they do give ya a warning id leave mate theres plenty of other places!

[yerdusk]

Work at Top Valley.

Would leave, but its not easy finding something that pays the same kind of money.

[Tupps]

Thats harsh mate, If they were aware you had diabetes they should understand the situation

[Jules]

I had the same prob too with my employers.

When i went back after maternity leave i told them straight away i had develpoed PE (pulmonary Embolisms) in my heart and lung.
They said they were fine about it all and would let me attended all my hospital appointments.
Next thing i know im getting sacked for being 5 mins late starting work cos my hospital appointment ran on, even tho i called in as i left the hospital to say i was going to be late!!
I'd take them the full road if there going to treat you like that

[kylie]

that's harsh mate. basically they dont want you there due to needing time off. but this is no fault of your own. they are trying to shift all the blame onto you. i would say, if you lose your job or have to have any time off because of them saying its not appropriate, put a claim in for the money you have lost or will lose. like you said this is discrimination and could also be seen as bullying. dont let em mess you about!!!

[vidal]

Tesco have a pretty intransigent attitude to sickness AFAIK (MiL works for them).

The problem you have is that you may be seen as contributing to your poor glycaemic control by way of your lifestyle. If you do get a warning it would be worth speaking with either the hospital consultant or the diabetes specialist nurse. If you monitor your sugars (as you should), bring the diary to the hearing with you - if it's a one off event then they may take it into account.

On the other hand, the local press always like to hear stories like this - pm me I have a few contacts.

V.

[VTR_Nick]

Don't really know much about Diabetes although i have a mate who' had it for a long time. in my opion though it sounds like tesco arn't sure how to handle your case and so are just disregarding the fact you have Diabetes.
If your in a union have a word with them otherwise speak to the local ortharities and see what your possition is.

Good luck mate