Epilepsy and holiday request

[redhotitfc]

Hi,

 

I have epilepsy. The type that renders me unconscious and I had an attack and asked work very late to take a day or two off from my holiday bank. This way I could have treatment I need and to get better later this week to get back in. The only other option is to go in and that is rather risky but I can't afford to take time off.

 

Any ideas as they have said it is difficult to make an exception?

 

Thanks

[citizenB]

Would you not receive any pay if you were to take the time off as sick ?

[redhotitfc]

I'm not sure if I'm going to get SSP yet. It's gotten rather complicated due to the unpredictable nature of the disability.

[citizenB]

I am sure others who are more experienced in this will pop in and advise.

 

However, I am a little puzzled as to why you would offer to take Annual leave for what is obviously essential medical treatment.

Are you concerned they might tell other staff that you are in hospital and why ?

 

I am assuming your employer is aware of your disability. They would not be able to say.. "Oh you cant go off sick or they cant make an exception", if you are booked in for medical treatment. However, if other employees believe you are simply going on holiday, then I can see where the employer has a problem.

[redhotitfc]

Yeah I understand it is quite difficult for them to manage these scanarios. Tough one really. Although I would have thought the health and safety of an employee would come first

[Emmzzi]

I'm confused what treatent takes a couple of days. Isn't it usually new meds + seeing how they effect you which can be weeks??

 

Between this and your delay in the sick note last time I can see how your employer would be confused or annoyed. Have you had an occ health referal yet?

[redhotitfc]

Emmzzi unless you understand the effects of epilepsy (most don't or have common misconceptions) it's difficult not to be confused. I am currently on a weekly increase and it's well gone over the maximum recommended dosage. This all takes about 6 weeks to achieve and test results/effects. Treatment isn't only about throwing a load of tablets in myself. Things like hospital appointments, specialist help and advice, tests etc are all part of the treatment package to get me better.

 

That's completely off note tbh. I am requesting responses to asking for holiday later than policy rules and if it's unreasonable to ask for an exception due to the unpredictable nature of epilepsy.

[Emmzzi]

your employer can reufse holiday any time.

 

Your problem is you are asking for holiday not sick leave; sick leave can be conidered under the Equality Act. Stop trying to bend the rules; you need a full and frank discussion with your employer about your condition. Your financial position is also not their problem.

 

They are doing nothing wrong here; you however appear to not have your act together. I've managed many people with epilepsy and as a result have done extensive reading and research. while I am no doctor, your story is not adding up to an employee keen to follow the rules, return and perform effectively as soon as they can.

 

Again; have you had an occupational health referal? Have you asked for one? Without a great deal more information being provided on your side to your employer, and some working together, I can see only one way this is going.

[uneverdid]

having lived with someone with epilepsy it can vary greatly the recovery time etc my partner felt lethargic for a few days after fitting and obviously injured himself at times too through falling on objects. I think you are being admiral in wanting to use your holidays when you should get paid sick I'm sure your gp would give you a note. I wish you luck in getting stable as I understand how worrying epilepsy is with the unpredictable timings of your fits.

[Emmzzi]

uneverdid: the OP gets only SSP when off sick. I think they are asking for holiday so they get income. So less admirable and more financial, and not a request that needs to be granted.

 

I share your wish that they stabilise soon.

[redhotitfc]

Thank you uneverdid. I am asking for it so they don't have to pay me sick pay and me not working. Taking holiday is easier when I could get a note and get SSP. I would rather them not have to pay more money for me not working as I have a lot of respect for my manager who understands the situation. There have been a few times last year when I said I didn't want to claim SSP. Only this year because of new treatment.

 

It must be extremely difficult to live with someone with epilepsy. My partner worries a lot about me and I just wish this problem wasn't there. So much more than worrying about a couple of holiday requests.