Hello all, im from the uk and i work part time in a call center.

Anonymous

September 28,2021 at 7:39AM UTC

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Hello all, im from the uk and i work part time in a call center. Ive been here 13 nearly 14 years and they have always treated long term and short term sickness sperate. However recently they have now combined the two. I have migraines which make me bed ridden for 2-4 days so i cant work. Ive been trying to improve my attendance but i keep needing a day or 2 off because of my mirgraines, this is usually every month/ 4 weeks , which now has lead to a written warning. Im terrified of losing my job and i really want to improve, but any time off leads to a formal meeting. Im not someone takes the mick with days off, i dont take days off for hangovers or because i cant be bothered. Im genuinely ill and its leading me to the point of being sucidial because the doctors arent listening and work are treating me like its a common cold. Am i being sensitive or does this seem unfair? Can any one offer advice? Im so lost.

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Sage FraserSeptember 28,2021 at 8:52AM UTC
Not sure about the UK but here in the States migraines qualify for intermittent LOA. Here you would tenure for FMLA and your job would be protected. Days off could be paid through short term disability leave. They would not be able to fire you. If they did you would have a slam dunk retaliation case and a nice settlement. But you live in the UK so can anyone inform me what job protections exist over there?
AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 8:54AM UTC
Thank you for replying, before they pushed the long term / short term together it was classed as long term sickness which was protected as a long term disability. But since it’s changed I’m soaring through the steps and I’m so scared. I’m already on stage two out of 3.
Orlagh CostelloSeptember 28,2021 at 12:21PM UTC
I spent years in the UK and the law hasn't changed recently as far as I know, so your job should be ok - but some employers use that Bradford Factor thing where they penalise people who take shorter but more regular absences compared to those who take longer but less frequent absences. I've been at the bad end of things like that cos I kept trying to go into work when I was ill and it counted against me. But your doctor shouldn't be ignoring you - migraine is serious and there are things you can do to get help and help yourself. Start with the doc, explain what the hell your symptoms are in detail and refuse to leave til they listen. Once you start getting doctor's notes and things involved, they have to take it seriously. At the least, they should be sending you for an occupational health assessment to confirm the migraines.
AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 12:58PM UTC
I would first focus on getting the proper medical help. Change doctors until you find someone who will listen. There are constant medical trials studying migraine and its root causes and treatment so you need to really look into getting help. If you are in bed for days out of the month you are losing quality of life and that is not OK.
As for your job, you'll need to keep work apprised of your medical condition with updates and notes from your doctor. This will help document your condition and help save your job.
Finally, treat your stress as well with a proper supportive diet ( no gluten, sugar or dairy) and exercise outside for fresh air and relaxation. Yoga and meditation may also help.
AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 2:30PM UTC
Keep fighting for proper medical care, your migraines don't just take you out of work but they take away the enjoyment of life. I have been there and It took me switching doctors for them to finally listen. This was one thing I was terrified off when I moved as I wanted to make sure to find another doctor who listened. Not all of them do sadly.
Migraines are different for every person. I take medication and it works to reduce my migraines. My friend had to go completely gluten free as gluten triggered her migraines.
Keeping a clean diet is important you don't necessarily need to cut out gluten or dairy unless you feel like those trigger your migraines but artificial sweeteners, lack of exercise, and lack of sleep tend to make them worse. I just saw my neuro yesterday who wants me to cut out artificial sweeteners though I am sure that is easier in the UK than the US.