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Goofy2014
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Hello

I was diagnosed with DCIS last year, following a mastectomy and reconstruction last September they found a bit of cancer. I returned to work in November. I have a few appointments coming up and my hr manager wants me to make the time up. I work as a cleaner, I'm getting a lot of pain in my reconstructed boob. I have offered to take the day off unpaid, but she still wants me to make the time up. How do I approach my boss about getting the point across that I can't do the extra hours. I don't want to go on sick.

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    Dear Goofy.  It is a bit late at night now so there probably aren't many people posting but I will tell you what I know about this.  If you have an HR department then your manager should know the rights of staff who have suffered or are suffering from cancer.  Not only do allowances have to be made but they have to help you.  I know that the website for MacMillan Cancer Support has a section on your rights at work.  If you go their website and just type the word "work" in the Search box at the top of the screen it will tell you all about it.  You might like to print it off and show it to your manager and HR department.  If you have a trades union talk to them as well. 

    Best wishes.  You should not be having to worry like this when you have been through so much and are doing your  best to continue working.

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    There is also a section on work on this website; I have just found it.  I was going to see if I could copy it onto this forum but I find I am going to have to change my computer's security and to be honest I am falling asleep so I hope that one of the moderators will create a link for you in the morning.  The way I found it was by clicking on About Cancer (just above this forum) then Coping With Cancer, then Coping Practically, then Disability & Discrimination Act and then Your Work.

    Have a good night!

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    Hi there ... well you got some good advice from annieliz... l didn't know about rights at work for those going through this journey of ours .. so please fight in your corner,  and those bosses of yours have probably never had a loved one going through this ... I'm a breast cancer buddy too, and can just imagine how hard it is doing more then your body tells you ...

    If you call McMillan, they have people there to help you get benefits while going through cancer ... at least that will help you financially.. l wish you were in a position to tell them to shove their job ... l feel very sorry for boss... it must be so hard having no heart ... no compation... but without people like that, we wouldn't appreciate lovely people a ... Chrissie x

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    As a cancer patient you are automatically qualified for rights under the Disability Discrimination Act.

    Your boss is acting unlawfully -  taking time off for medical appointments is not the same as taking time off for a hair do or manicure! You have a legal right to take time off for this.

    There's some useful info at www.cancerresearchuk.org/.../the-disability-discrimination-act-and-cancer

    MacMillan are partnered with the Citizens Advice Bureau and offer practical support. 

    Good luck
    Dave

  • Offline in reply to Annieliz

    Thank you for replying. I feel a lot better knowing people are there to listen and to help. Hope everything goes ok for you.

    Best wishes

  • Offline in reply to Annieliz

    Thank you for taking the time to reply.

    Best wishes

  • Offline in reply to davek

    Thank you for replying. I feel a lot better knowing people are there to listen and to help. Hope everything goes ok for you.

    Best wishes

  • Offline in reply to Chriss

    Thank you for replying. I feel a lot better knowing people are there to listen and to help. Hope everything goes ok for you.

    Best wishes

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