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Sick leave ran out, going through burnout at work

squishylea

I was signed off for 2 weeks due to stress around asking for reasonable adjustments. 

I came back to work and told I was now moving teams, had a new line manager and only entitled to one week paid sick pay. 

So I am going to be out a whole weeks wages, no paid sick leave entitlement for 12 months (it's on a rolling basis - whatever that means)

I am literally sat at my desk crying because I can't afford to lose that money, I am going through burnout and can't concentrate on work but I can't have any more time off.

I also don't know what they are doing if anything around reasonable adjustments.

I am hitting a severe low, I don't know what to do. I need help but online says due to my situation I am not eligible for any financial aid or help.

What can I do?

  • in reply to Autistic Not Alien

    Thank you for your reply, I appreciate it :)

    Update:

    I asked for an official response to the move and they said it was because my role and responsibilities align better in the new team, which when I went through it with my new line manager I did agree with. The HR response to me asking for it in writing was not as supportive as I had hoped.  They stated as my T&Cs were not affected they didn't need to tell me in writing or with any notice.

    Work have referred me to Occupational Health and I have a call with them on the 18th.

    I keep having meltdowns and my mental health has plummeted as there is no one here that understands hidden disabilities beyond the social stigmas.

    I am also confused with the mixed messages I am getting from work, for example I had a migraine the other day, my manager asked if I should be working, to which I responded I have no sick leave to take and couldn't afford the time off. My line manager said I was being difficult and should take time off for my health. :/

  • I'm sorry to hear this, and I'm sorry I'm late to the discussion. To return to work and be told you're being moved into a new team the next day is outrageously inappropriate for an autistic person. Regardless of autism, it shows a lack of basic empathy - how about treating employees as equal adults and gaining their input before restructuring? Is the restructure about the needs of the organisation or is it a form of bullying and exclusion? I hope you have received better treatment since you posted your initial message, and I hope you are feeling much better.

  • Dear squishylea,

    Thank you for sharing your experience with the online community. I am sorry to hear that you are going through a difficult time. I can see other online community members have offered some really helpful advice. 

    We have information and advice on applying for a job, tips for interacting and coping at work, advice on dealing with bullying in the workplace and what the law says about your rights at work: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/employment 

    You may want to look at our resources with information about autistic fatigue and burnout: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/autistic-fatigue

    I hope this is helpful.

    Kind Regards,

    Rosie Mod

  • in reply to Mr T

    Thank you, I haven’t been here long. They didn’t tell me in any formal way, I just came back from sick and was told I would be moved the next day into a new team. I will ask for everything in writing, and maybe just look for somewhere new. I know you said not to but I’m not strong enough to keep this up.

    thank you for your advice 

  • Squishlylea, 

    Mr T makes a very good suggestion.  Are you in a trade union?

    Have you worked there very long?

    Maybe Citizens Advice can point you in the right direction, I don't know, but there must be some help somewhere.

    Maybe the Job Centre can help you, they must surely know a thing or two about employment rights.

    Whatever you do, don't just give up and leave... that would be a mistake.

    Ben

  • So have they fired and rehired you on a different contract? I do not think they can alter you terms and conditions.

    I was forced to return to work during a massive burnout due to the stress my management were placing on me. I also asked for reasonable adjustments but they would not make a decision. I had to take a hit at half-pay before returning to work in made up placements. After this one ends it will be a year!. Now redeployment has been pushed but they will not guarantee my salary or any protection. The Feckers can't read or apply the equality act.

    If you are in the UK then the equality act 2010 will apply. I suggest you contact a union or an employment lawyer. Keep all written communication and try to reduce the verbal stuff. You may need this information for legal purposes.

    Not much help but I wanted you to know you are not alone.