Job loss due to fit - Epilepsy Message Board

vincentmay · 07-01-2003, 09:54 AM

Hi all

I work for Blakemore Hotel in the UK and encounted a problem.

I did have 2 job and 1 was Linen porter and other was pot-washing/Kitchen porter.

I know the Linen was hard work but I loved it, This is the job that I lost this job due to my fit. My fits are partial/petimal type and had one in the house keeping office this morning, they thought they are working me too hard and let me go from the linen job.

I still have the Kitchen porter work now I am on dull money altogether which leave me with nothing because of my rent and taxi fares.

Do you know of non-hotel work around stevenage that I can temperaly and allow people with epilepsy to work on shifts so that I can afford things. I am not social outside work/home because most people/lads I know I don't get on with at all.

Vincent

violarose · 07-02-2003, 10:42 AM

that just does not seem fair. did u tell them u have seizures????

Karla · 07-02-2003, 03:37 PM

I am so sorry. I have lost jobs before because of epilepsy. It is no fun. However, you must start looking for new employment. I find it best if you tell them upfront once you are hired that you have a seizure disorder the best way to deal with it. You need to train your employer and let them know about your condition. Let them know that you won't hurt yourself and that it has nothing to do with something they did or didn't do. And what action you want them to take with you when you are having a seizure ie set you down somewhere, leave you alone, etc. This prevents stress and problems when you can't defend yourself around people who are ignorant of your condition. good luck in finding a new job.

vincentmay · 07-02-2003, 06:10 PM

Thanks for the reply.

Everyone at the Hotel should know that I have epilepsy including the general manager as he has been pestering me about "when is my next dr appointment" and "what tablets and dose that I am using" - what is it to him, he is just nosey. If he cares I wish he stops going on about it as he nearly made me lose my Kitchen Job at christmas due to epilepsy.

It was written on the application form at the start of employment. If they can't handle it, they should tell me that and I would look for another tempory job. I already flooded the work's kitchen due to fits. At my very previous job which I did with an agency I nearly got ran down by a fork lift truck because I had a fit while doing picking.

I am currently looking for an IT job anyway, so soon once I get it I will be leaving the hotel. So they can call an agency KP or do it themselves.

Vincent

Grumps · 07-03-2003, 09:07 AM

They cannot do that to you under the disability discrimination act. Providing you are not putting yourelf or anyone else in danger (ie driving) they cannot release you from a postion - I would question and if you get no answer seek advice from your local Citizen Advice Office