Due to a lot of absences from work over the last few years, especially in the last year, my employer has asked for a medical report from my GP to see how best they can support me or something like that. I asked to see a copy of the report before it was sent off and am kinda shocked about what it said...

"I strongly believe that secretwhisper is not in a position to work in full time long term employment as her condition is longstanding."

I was just expecting something saying I was fine to work and everything would carry on as usual...I find it weird as I have been seeing this GP for several years now and she has never once said to me about not working full time...

Now I'm not sure what position this leaves me in. It was a solicitor that told my employer to request a report. With my GP saying I can't work full time does this mean the company will either have to give me a part time position or not take me back at all?

[Mountainbard]

I'm sorry your GP blindsided you like that. Here your employer would have to work with you to accommodate your needs. I'm not sure if thats the case (legally) in the UK.

[francisR]

hi Secretwhisper

I don't think it was right of the GP to send such a report without informing you first. However, you could request referral to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist to get a more authoritative opinion which would carry much more weight. But yes I do think your employer would have the option to give you part-time work. Or to allow you a phased return to work. Just doing some hours per week. You could ask that if all went well at that level to be allowed the option of full-time employment. I hope and pray this will work out okay for you. Take care. God bless and best wishes from your friend Francis

With my GP saying I can't work full time does this mean the company will either have to give me a part time position or not take me back at all?

I think that depends on employment law in your country. Is there someone you can ask about this who knows the law in that area?

Even if your employer says "No problem, we want you to keep working for us and will accommodate you in whatever way you need", it would be worth your time to find a legal resource who can advise you about what your legal position is.

The employer has to accommodate your needs if you're able to do your job. Having a doctor say that you shouldn't be working full-time could be interpreted as not being able to do your job. In that case, you wouldn't be entitled to accommodations.

[ManOfConstantSorrow]

Originally Posted by secretwhisper

Due to a lot of absences from work over the last few years, especially in the last year, my employer has asked for a medical report from my GP... have to give me a part time position or not take me back at all?

Not quite sure what to make of this - did they not qualify the statement in question in some way?

[TheOriginalMe]

Is there an employment support worker with your CMHT? I had one and she was quite helpful. If not Citizen's Advice are excellent I used them for an employment matter.

Your employer has to treat your mental illness as a disability and should offer reasonable adjus. tments that will help you do your job. That could mean offering you more flexible ways of working including reduced hours or working from home or time off for appointments. It is a two way process so your employer can' t impose changes on you and you can' t demand the impossible.

I'll PM you later with some helpful links.

Originally Posted by ManOfConstantSorrow

Not quite sure what to make of this - did they not qualify the statement in question in some way?

No they didn't qualify that statement. The report was really short, my employer asked a lot of questions so I expected a lengthy report tbh but all it really said was I've been suffering from mentall illness for a long time and have support from the CMHT. The GP then answered all the questions in one sentence really saying that I struggle with self care and coping in stressful environments. Then added I shouldn't be working full time. And that was it.

Originally Posted by TheOriginalMe

Is there an employment support worker with your CMHT? I had one and she was quite helpful. If not Citizen's Advice are excellent I used them for an employment matter.

Your employer has to treat your mental illness as a disability and should offer reasonable adjus. tments that will help you do your job. That could mean offering you more flexible ways of working including reduced hours or working from home or time off for appointments. It is a two way process so your employer can' t impose changes on you and you can' t demand the impossible.

I'll PM you later with some helpful links.

Thanks I think there is an employment support worker...I remember it being mentioned briefly at the end of last year so i will have to look into that. Hadn't even thought about seeing them tbh!

[ManOfConstantSorrow]

"Then added I shouldn't be working full time" I don't quite understand how a GP who sees you hardly at all can make such a bold statement - you must feel deeply undermined.

[waterknob1234]

I think I would want to talk to the GP about his/her statement. Anyway to get another opinion from a pdoc? I understand this situation is difficult.

[francisR]

Hi, Secretwhisper

as Waterknob getting a second opinion or a more authoritative one from a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist would be a good move. I hope and pray it gets better for you in the future, and that today will be really good for you

Thanks, yeah I guess I will have to look into it and see if someone else can do it. The thing is though my current pdoc (assuming she hasn't left) has only seen me once and that was back in February/March so not really sure how much good it would do as she really doesn't know me.

[moodycow]

hi secret , i am glad you are doing better, i have been in a similar position my gp at the time said that i should not work at all ! having said that as you know i have worked most of my life i have however never held down a full time job. I believe that the doctor has made this statement based on your dx and history rather than you personaly