HELP! emplyoyment advice in UK

[vette]

Hi Folks, My DH has just had 2 weeks annual leave off work as I have had to have my gall bladder removed, we figured I'd be ok by now for him to go back to work. Anyhow, I got an infection after the surgery, and still can't drive, can't really look after myself properly never mind the kids & dog during the day and to top it all, since surgery my FMS is crazy!

Anyhow, DH called work today to say can he work from home please? (he's an IT consultant & can work JUST as well from here as he can at work which is a 2.5hr drive each way!) So, he gets off the 'phone & says that they said that basically, if he doesn't go in to work, he's fired!!! :eek:

I've TRIED to tell him they can't do that, but he WON'T accept it from me, anyone have any tips/thoughts/offerings of any kind?

Thanks in advance & sorry if i don't make much sense...

Be well,

'Vette x

[bewolf]

Sorry for bad news here but...

Yes they can say that as he is effectively not going to work. (Dispite being able to do it from home)

He would need to look at his employment contract to see what is actually said. AND get the unions involved if needed.

I wonder if the company has a human resorces adviser that he could contact or occupational health department.

He could also apply for compationate leave (?sp).

It really depends on the contract from the company.

Citizens advice could be useful.

I would try to get some real legal advice.

Sorry, not much help am I?

Wolfie.

[vette]

Thanks Wolfie... Thing is, they've let him work from home in the past when it's been convienient for *THEM*! e.g. DH was ill, told them he would be off at least the last 3 days of that week (this was on a Tues pm) so they ASKED him if he'd do the work from home "that way, we're still covered & you're still full paid" so, isn't that like "setting a precedence"? (or whatever it's called!).

Thanks for your input, anyway.

Be well,

'Vette x

[bewolf]

Yep that is setting a precedence... Good one.

Also try looking at these.

http://www.workingfamilies.org.uk/asp/employer_zone/e_fs_caringleave.asp

http://www.direct.gov.uk/Employment/Employees/WorkAndFamilies/WorkAndFamiliesArticles/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=10026555&chk=YKWGSA

[vette]

.... other thing i've just thought of is that when he went for the job he DID tell them "I have a disabled wife with multiple disabilities" so i dunno if that will go anywhere, but it's worth a try! DDA & all that!!! :-)

Thanks again, Wolfie.

Be well,

'Vette x

[bewolf]

If he told them before he started work there... even better. As long as he can prove that.... Just in case they have 'lost' that information.

As I said earlier try to get legal advice... sounds as if you have a case.

best of luck

Wolfie

[Tootsie]

I can't be much help, as I'm more familiar with issues like this in the USA. Policy can vary here, depending on state law. Are there any supportive services available in your neighborhood or community that could help out at home so your husband could go to work? Cheerio.