Unfair Work Place

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Hello just looking for some advice, I recently got a warning from my manager for “unauthorised absences” ( when we looked into it they were all the days that were approved and changed due to my fathers chemo) I was told in this meeting that 7 unauthorised absences would lead to termination (I was told I had 7) but was told due to my “circumstances” this was not the case yet, fortunately I applied for a new job and got it so handed in my resignation roughly two weeks after our meeting. 

during our meeting for my resignation I was belittled and was met with sarcasm and told to make sure my new job is accommodating to my dad sickness (spoken with no sympathy or remorse)  and told that I should’ve been fired by now for taking my dad to chemo, when I did not engage with his attitude he told me not to worry because everyone is replaceable… I was at a lost for words and could not believe how horrible a human could be to one another, he also made the rest of my shift unbearable by constantly questioning everything I was doing. 

not sure what to do, should I report this? I wouldn’t want it to happen to anybody else Disappointed

(Bit Of Back story - My Dad has lung and bone cancer, stage 4 which is counted as terminal cancer and has just finished his chemo, he is under hospice care from home. He also has Addisons disease due to adrenal stress from his cancer which is very difficult to handle and also life threatening if not managed correctly) 

  • Hi LaurenA

    My name is Linda and I am one of the Work Support Advisers at Macmillan Cancer Support. I am sorry to hear about the difficulties you experienced with your former Employer.

     

    Under the Equality Act 2010 ( if you live in England, Scotland or Wales ) or the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 ( if you live in Northern Ireland) Carers have some protection against discrimination “by association” with a disabled person. Your dad is considered disabled under the Act because of his cancer diagnosis.

    This does mean that an Employer cannot discriminate against you or treat you less favourably than another Employee due to your caring responsibilities for your dad. Any time off for caring responsibilities may not be paid unless your employment contract or company policy states differently.  You do not mention if the Employer had a Carers Policy in place at all. This is not mandatory and may not be applicable to smaller businesses. Some Employers offer carers leave or compassionate leave, although this may be unpaid. Were you offered the option to apply for Flexible Working to try and do some work around your dad’s appointments ?

    If you feel that you were discriminated against due to your association with your dad as a cancer patient then you could take your former Employer to an Employment Tribunal. It may be useful to speak to ACAS in the first instance for some support with this. You only have a specific time to do this, it is 3months less one day from the date the act of disability discrimination occurred .

    ACAS gives employees and employers free impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice. Training and help is also offered in resolving workplace conflict.

    In the case of a workplace dispute ACAS offers an Early Conciliation Service where talks are offered to try and make a legal agreement without going to an Employment Tribunal.

    Free Services:

    Advice

    On-line advice and on the ACAS helpline:0300 123 1100 (Monday – Friday 8-6pm). Their services and support can also be accessed on: www.acas.org.uk

    I do hope this offers you the support you are looking for. Please do contact us again if you feel there’s any other help we can offer.

    Kind Regards

    Linda

    Work Support Advisor

     

    Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email