Case for working from home

[CSJ2K]

Hi

I have degenerative disc disease which has 'killed' all the discs in my lumbar spine. As a result of this I have chronic pain in my lower back. I have worked full time since I was 16 and don't intend to stop now but I'm finding it more and more difficult. I need to regularly change my sitting position, stand, walk etc. as the pain builds when I do any one of these activities for more than between 5 and 15 minutes at a time. Most of my work involves being out and about. I do a lot of driving which does not cause problems as I can build stretch breaks into my journey and fidget to my hearts content. When with clients I can fidget, stand etc. and then the same when I'm in the office. The three of these activities are becoming too much. I feel that if I was able to do the office part from home, this would really help. I could put my feet up on the settee and use my laptop. Also whilst in the office I feel embarrassed when I am grimacing and groaning with the pain and would rather do this in privacy.

I am considering approaching my employer and asking them if I can work from home, doing the same duties as I do now.

Has anyone else dealt with this before? Does anyone have any advice? Any suggestions on how I might make the approach and what I may say?

Thank you in advance.

[blue4ever]

Hi csj2k
my wife has the same complaint,she had a job cleaning she no long doe`s that. she takes morphine tabs and also top up with morp liquid during the day.my wife claim DLA.I know you are in pain and keeping your job is a priorite but if it comes to it you may be entitiled to DLA YOURSELF.
You can only ask your employer (what can he say bogoff or )YES
there are lots of people who use this site and hopefully they may have a differant view than mine.
Cheers And GOOD LUCK.

[CSJ2K]

Thank you for your response blue4ever. I have considered DLA but am going to wait for another week to see if this is an 'episode' or if the new levels of pain and the problems it causes are here to stay. I've been off work with it for the last week and have a review with the Docv on Monday but as it stands I cannot see myslef returning to work quite yet.

[scousegeezer]

CSJ2K,
I would not leave it til next week, apply for DLA now. It takes some time to go through. When applying for the DLA you have to lay it on thick in order to receive it. I dont mean tell lies, I mean list every little symptom that you get. Also, if You can walk more than 20 - 30 meteres they may reject you. That is unless you use a walking stick to aide your walking. I used to have sacral-lumbar disc degeneration, but it has now become degeneration of the sacral-lumbar spine. So I know the pain you are going through. I use a stick to walk. Also in your application, there will be a section for applying for attendance allowance. Even though you may feel that you wont get it, list everything that you do; for which you need assistance from your spouse/partner. As previously stated , you may not get the attendance allowance section BUT that section gives further opportunity to list you symptoms; so it backs up your application for the Motability section of DLA. Also it will give information which can be referred to in future applications. They can look back and see how you have deteriorated over the years. Finally , I dont know what age you are, or how long you have suffered; but if you are not that far away from retirement age and you get the attendance allowance; this will make it easier for you to get Incapacity Benefit ( although thats changing soon). Is the condition an injury or hereditary. Another thing you might wish to consider applying for is reduced earnings allowance. That is if you are now in a lesser paid job to one that you have previously done and you had to take the lesser paid job because you weren't physically up to the old job anymore. Hope this helps. If you want to PM me, by all means do so. - Cheers Scousegeezer

[Ripley]

Regarding working form home, your employer should support you in doing this if it is reasonable and practicable. The disability Discrimination Act obliges them to do so. Ask to do this, and if you are unreasonably turned down, contact your Shop Steward/union rep if you have one.
If not, the Disability Rights Comission will help.