fibromialgia expertise needed help!

Posted , 7 users are following.

I have been at my job for 18 months and have been struggling for a while. I have been diagnosed with fibromialgia and want to tell HR but am afraid they will let me go.

I wish to continue working as it is 20 hours per week but need a little flexability. My job requires me to be in everyday from 11 - 3 if I cannot do it do the company have the right to sack me.

I have been good at my job but wanat to know how I should proceed do they need to make allownces>

Please help

I am upset confused and very tired

2 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Posted

    It differs country to country, even state to state, but as far as I know, you can't be sacked for being ill. As long as you can still do your job, even if there is some leeway needed, they shouldn't be able to rightfully fire you.
  • Posted

    Usually its none of their business. But you need a little help.

    If you cant keep doing it and don't say anything, you will end up getting canned anyway.

    Compliment sandwich:

    Start out by how much you like & appreciate the job.

    Ask for exactly what you need; employers don't like vague and leeway can mean a lot of things. End with how good you are at your job and again how much you appreciate them.

    Maybe even request an open line of communication. Ie: Can we try X for a month and see if that works for you? You are there for them after all and if you respect their needs hopefully they will respect yours.

  • Posted

    thanks so much

    i am based in the uk but the head office is in the USA and they do like straightforward talking

  • Posted

    Hi there Hun

    Be honest with your boss they cannot sack for that if they do you could go to a tribunal did they give you a contract see what it says in there, but honesty is always best

    good luck

    Peace and love

    Cherl

    x

  • Posted

    Thank you all so very much for your help and support I feel better just knowing there is such kindness out there.

    i have emailed my manager and asked for a confidential chat.  I will definitely use the sandwich technique and am thinking about what I need at home and work in order to continue.  I will keep you posted if you like

    thanks again xx

  • Posted

    Here in the UK I think it is on the NHS website they do say that they can offer talking to your employers to help us return to work.  It might be worth a google search first prior to talking with your employers.  Even if they are not the ones doing the contacting they might have some good advice on things to offer / point out if your employers are not nice about it. 

    When you do talk to your employers I would recommend saying that it has good and bad times.  That when you took on the position you had no idea that you would start struggling to meet the job hour requirements.  Therefore they are told that you didn't take on the job saying that you could do it to get your foot in the door, knowing at that time you wouldn't be able to do it longterm.   They might think that if you don't gently point it out that was not the case.

    Good luck and I really recommend googling talk to emplyers about health requirements, or your health rights at work.  Fibromyalgia coping at work, talking to your boss.  That sort of thing.  The more research you could do the calmer you will feel.  xx

  • Posted

    Hi Deanna, 

    If you are in the uk fibromyalgia comes under 'equal opportunities 2010' which now covers the old disability discrimination act, employers have to make ' reasonable adjustments' to help you stay in work, I would try to do some research if you were employed here in the uk I would have thought that would be the case, not sure about the USA! If you have a union rep at work? Might be worth asking for a meeting with them to discuss your options. Also do your own research and double check any info you are given! find out as much as you can! Forewarned is forearmed!! I hope things work out for you, let us know how you get on! Big hugs xx

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.