Hounded by work

Hi Detty847b62 

Sorry to hear about this but indeed there are rules around this you can see some information on this here.

In my expereince OH were rather much on my side - then I have known senior management who seemed to think they were too soft in not recommending more people for medical retirement. 

It might help to talk to one of the work advisors here - if you ring the helpline between 8am and 6pm Monday-Friday they may be able to help - 0808 808 0000.

<<hugs>>

Steve

Its awful that you are expeiencing this. I was like you, signed off, sadly my husband passed away almost 2 weeks ago. My work have been good which really helped and OH have also been good, making suggestions that my boss had to follow. People who have never had this kind of caring role just don't get it. Do you have a Union, work should not be insisting on weekly contact when you are signed off. 

Keep visiting here, there are lots of people here who understand.

Thanks for the replies. 

My manager had said its council policy that I have to ring in weekly. I am now on a stage 1 as I have hit a 'trigger' for being off for more than a month. I would have thought they would be a bit more understanding as I've hardly ever been off work in the 30+ years I have been doing my job...since 2019 I've been off once..with a broken arm

I have a OH appointment very soon & I will be asking them if there's anything that can be done about the weekly ringing in. I do pop into work when I am able to but they arnt counting this as speaking to them. The other members off staff always comment how tired I look.

Your husbands diagnosis covers you under 'Disability by association'. You are protected by the Equality Act 2010. 

Reasonable adjustments should be and can be implemented. Request to only have monthly check ins. These can be however you wish, teams, emails, face to face. 

They should have a wellbeing policy that will cover you too, and update your status to 'Carer'. Ask what they have in place to protect YOU, not the other way around. 

My husband has died.

Snr management haven't even been on touch to check that I'm ok. I informed my immediate manager the same morning hubby passed away & she's not hounded me for my weekly call.

My Occupational health appt was with an outside company & the lady I spoke to was extremely understanding & in her report back to my employer's she said that I did not need the additional stress of OH appointments & was was not to be contacted by them until at least January 2026. My current sick note runs out in February & I will probably return to work then.

Hi Detty847b62 

Sorry to hear about your husband and hope you are coping ok. You might find the booklet after someone dies helpful in working out your next steps. 

I might hope the advice from occupational health might be working and that might be why your boss is not chasing you. I am so glad you found occupational health supportive as that is very much what their profession is about. 

When you are ready you might like to look in to our Bereaved spouses and partners forum where there will be many willing to share and help.

<<hugs>>

Steve