Published on 12, July, 2020
I am working full-time and I am struggling with high levels of anxiety on a daily basis, and taking medication as a tool to help me manage this (with variable success). This is my 1st full-time permanent role since my diagnosis in 2015 at the age of 50.
I have had 2 Access to Work workplace assessments and a National Autistic Society specialist workplace assessment.
My employer has implemented some reasonable adjustments (after a long drawn out fight), but my line manger is still refusing 2 others.
One of these adjustments was recommended by the National Autistic Society specialist workplace assessment and the other is recommended in a Mind Wellness Action Plan (WAP) for employees with mental health difficulties.
This has dragged on for 3 years now - ever since I started working for them.
I have just got my union involved to support me, but things are so slow and my mental health is really struggling.
Does anyone know of any mentor / buddy type schemes that might be able to help me manage my mental health better whilst all of this is happening? It would need to be someone with a good understanding of autism. Failing that can anyone recommend a solicitors who specialises in employment law and who understands autism and can give me some advice?
Thanks in advance.
Contact your union. Or contact ACAS for mediation (with the threat you will take them to an Employment Tribunal). Ring ACAS and ge tthe ball rolling.Employment Tribunals are based on precedent. And a precedent was set last summer involving an autistic worker who was denied their reasonable adjustments:https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/npower-autism-discrimination-employment-tribunal/
As such you could claim constructive dismissal and disability discrimination.