I have been diagnosed with a slip disc and so stressed as I feel like I'm being treated unfairly.

[Rosie242]

Hello everyone,

I’ve been a postie at Royal Mail for 4 years and have been suffering from sciatica for the past 6 months, I have recently had an mri scan and been diagnosed with a slipped disc. Management have been little to no help. I’m still being sent out to cover rounds that have 2 days mail, no offer for lighter duties (been told there’s no such thing in Royal Mail). I’ve had a month off in November 2023 and due to NHS wait times I’m not having corrective surgery for another few months. I’m stressing that I’ll have to take more time off as the pain is getting bad again. I’m already on an AR1 and more time off would trigger an AR2. What if I get to consideration for dissmissal will I lose my job? I love my job and don’t want to leave but I feel like they just don’t care. Just wish theyd stop sending me out with double mail whilst I’m trying to recover and receive treatment.

[Jb1969]

You are covered by the Equality Act & as such cannot be given any stage warning.
Ask for an OH appointment & definitely see your local Rep.
He/she will be able to kick this into touch easily.
Hope your Op goes well.

[rubberbond]

You are covered by the Equality Act & as such cannot be given any stage warning.
Ask for an OH appointment & definitely see your local Rep.
He/she will be able to kick this into touch easily.
Hope your Op goes well.

That’s not true you can be given a stage warning , what should be happening is a referral to occupational health and a proper programme for management of the condition that this person is suffering from. There has to be “ reasonable adjustments “ to assist, I would argue that giving the person concerned two days of mail on a regular basis is not a “ reasonable adjustment “, under any circumstances. It must be brought to their manager’s attention with a rep present asap.

[Rosie242]

I have already spoken to my local rep and he was also pretty useless, told me to break my loops down into smaller loops so bags aren’t as heavy when I lift them and bundle them (yes I am using a golf trolley whilst walking) but when you have 2 days mail it so time consuming. He also said as I have a van and a golf trolley Royal Mail would raise the question as to why I have back problems (found this a ridiculous statement to be honest). Just not sure who to turn to, I don’t think my back can cope 3 more months doing the workload I’m doing before my op. Can’t afford to just go sick financially. Feels like they just want to work me till I break.

[scotchy1962]

I have already spoken to my local rep and he was also pretty useless, told me to break my loops down into smaller loops so bags aren’t as heavy when I lift them and bundle them (yes I am using a golf trolley whilst walking) but when you have 2 days mail it so time consuming. He also said as I have a van and a golf trolley Royal Mail would raise the question as to why I have back problems (found this a ridiculous statement to be honest). Just not sure who to turn to, I don’t think my back can cope 3 more months doing the workload I’m doing before my op. Can’t afford to just go sick financially. Feels like they just want to work me till I break.

Rosie unfortunately this is and has been the norm for a long time, i first got sciatica from the old ford vans which you had to literally pull yourself out of to get out. I was out for 3 months and on my first day back i was handed the keys to, yes you guessed it, a ford van. After a discussion with management i was told "it was all we had" and i informed him that if my back went again i wouldn't be straight onto the sick.
One month later my back goes and this time i inform RM that as this is work related if they don't pay for physio and rehab i would be putting in a claim.Six months passed with RM paying for all physio and it was another three months of light duties before i started on full duties again and all done by me with no union involvement. Needless to say i never seen a ford van again and everyone learned a lesson.
RM have a duty of care for it's employees, it's up to you to make them do it especially if work related.

[iHateD2Ds]

Get a fit note from your GP stating light duties, no delivery,no lifting, etc.With this, you will be able to refuse tasks that will be detrimental to your health. Only you know how much pain you are suffering, not a manager.Also, a referral to occupational health may be beneficial.

[norris9]

Managers don't follow rules, they lie, they don't listen..... they want everyone to be YES men. Instead of helping fix issues which would make the office run smoother they instead make things difficult.

[Hitbox]

Sorry i'm only just seeing this Rosie.

1st and foremost, you're gunna have to come to a realisation that this isn't the best job in the world for coping with bulging discs. I know that as im now ill health retired from RM after 17 years service. I have L4/L5/S1/S2 Disc Degeneration that stemmed from bulging disc in L5 with that too with Sciatica in my right side and possible Fibromyalgia. There are some people who have the same as you and reasonable adjustments were sorted but not followed and led to further disc issues.

It IS a bitter pill to swallow, i know this as i was off sick for 6 months before any type of OH was considered. RM just do not care about the health of their employees- they havent for many years now.

Get a request in writing for OH with your manager as you feel that you want to avoid any further health issues that can arise from doing more duties, make sure you get it in writing too -as this is crucial bit to do that bit. if they refuse, get in touch with Health & Safety themselves (https://www.hse.gov.uk/index.htm) and that should start the ball rolling as you're strugglign health wise and they have to provide some sort of OH or provisions.

See how you get on with that. Start the ball rolling yourself as it seems that no one wants to help you look after yourself.