BS: Disability discrimination act

Subject: Disability discrimination act
From: Bagpuss
Date: 29 Nov 00 - 10:29 AM

I've been having a bit of a hellish time at work lately - I won't bore you with the details just now - and I wondered if anyone had any information or experience that could help me.

I want to find out more about the disability discrimination act (UK) and how it pertains to depression. I've read all the official stuff, but it doesn't really give me much insight into what would be considered "reasonable adjustments" that employers should make in cases of depression.

Thanks in advance,

Bagpuss

Subject: RE: BS: Disability discrimination act
From: Morticia
Date: 29 Nov 00 - 10:35 AM

Bagpuss, I work with the DDA a bit......if you want to PM me with a bit more detail, I'll help if I can....for example what work you do,and who for, hours, whether the depression is employment linked etc.

Subject: RE: BS: Disability discrimination act
From: Bagpuss
Date: 29 Nov 00 - 10:38 AM

Thanks Morticia - will PM you with more details when I get a moment.

Bagpuss

Subject: RE: BS: Disability discrimination act
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 30 Nov 00 - 07:55 AM

And she knows a lot about depression - she's related to Micca!!!:)))(_*_)

(sorry)

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Disability discrimination act
From: Troll
Date: 30 Nov 00 - 08:17 AM

Bagpuss, good luck. It IS treatable and you CAN make a full recovery. You are not alone.

troll

Subject: RE: BS: Disability discrimination act
From: Bagpuss
Date: 30 Nov 00 - 08:22 AM

Wow! Having crap bosses is treatable? What pills do I have to take?

;-)

Bagpuss

Subject: RE: BS: Disability discrimination act
From: Gervase
Date: 30 Nov 00 - 09:56 AM

If it's the crap bosses that are causing the depression, contact the TUC at Congress House in Great Russell Street. I don't know what sort of workplace you've got, but there's no real reason why you shouldn't have the support of the relevant union behind you.
Saint Tony is, after all *supposed* to have made the workplace more union-friendly and certainly, after some time licking its wounds in the post-Thatcher doldrums, the TUC is currently reshaping itself and is proving seriously useful in such areas.
If the union path is of off-limits, try the CAB; they will have the pertinent bits of the DDA on file, together with a non-lawyer's digest explaining the ramifications of the Act for idiots like us. They may also be able to recommend a local legal firm that specialises in disability-related cases.
Whatever happens, good luck - depression is one of those things that everyone takes the piss out of until they get it.

Subject: RE: BS: Disability discrimination act
From: Bagpuss
Date: 30 Nov 00 - 10:33 AM

Thanks Gervase. I have been to the CAB and when the bosses found that out, they backed down. I just wanted to clarify my rights in future. Thanks everyone for your concern.

Bagpuss

Subject: RE: BS: Disability discrimination act
From: Gervase
Date: 30 Nov 00 - 10:37 AM

...the other thing is to make sure you've got a decent GP - in that he/she is willing to commit pen to paper to the effect that you are suffering from depression and give some hint as to why.

Subject: RE: BS: Disability discrimination act
From: Bagpuss
Date: 30 Nov 00 - 11:09 AM

Gervase - Ive got a great psychiatrist - he offered to write to work a while ago, but work said it wouldn't have made any difference. But they pretty much *have* to listen to the occupational health doctor and she is really good - really seems to be on my side. It was her who first mentioned the DDA. I saw her a week ago, and I am still waiting for personnel to read her report and contact me to go back to work. I can't believe it could take them this long... So I'm going to phone OH tomorrow and check there wasn't any delay at their end.

Bagpuss

Subject: RE: BS: Disability discrimination act
From: Mrrzy
Date: 30 Nov 00 - 01:42 PM

Let us know, this is an interesting application even if we didn't care about you personally - which we do!

Subject: RE: BS: Disability discrimination act
From: Morticia
Date: 30 Nov 00 - 01:48 PM

Trouble is there are so many variable's,such as contract, medical declarations, nature of work, nature of illness... each individual case is different so you can't extrapolate from Bagpuss' case to cover all similar presentations.As a rule of thumb only, if you have declared a disability or acquire a disability in a work environment, your employers must make such adjustments as are reasonable for you to continue in your job.Further, if you have been refused a job, or demoted due to disability you can sue.

Subject: RE: BS: Disability discrimination act
From: GUEST,alan
Date: 30 Nov 00 - 03:48 PM

to echo Morticia, each case is different and in looking at what is reasonable will depend very much on individual and their cicumstances. Even in tribunal decisions there is no defining case which sets out practical tests applicible to all. However under the act employers have a responsibility to respond to disability issues including investigating and making "reasonable" adjustment, this should also include in cases of stress etc looking at in work causes .. failure to review these elements (especially if bullying or harassment may be involved) could give rise to a very strong case against them!