I am waiting for a referral to the breast clinic for a lump, appointment is 2 weeks today.  Obviously I am fearing the worst and am naturally an anxious person and I'm probably jumping the gun panicking about the below, but I'm more of a planner and need to think ahead.

My employer last week put me on an absence management plan, where I have to reduce my absence levels over the next 3 months and it will be reviewed after those 3 months are up.

My only absences in the 12 month rolling peroid they are referring to were 19 days last August when I had my thyroid removed (all supported by medical certificates and a huge scar as evidence right across my neck) and 2 days last month when I caught a sickness bug off my children.  I've worked here for 19 years and my sickness record has been excellent, as have my appraisals and standard of work.

Obviously now I'm panicking that if I have cancer I'm going to be off work, fail the objective of reducing my absence levels and I will lose my job.  Our HR department staff rigidly follow rules and procedures and lack any compassion (or common sense, from my perspective).

Can they do this?  I'm not sure where I should turn for advice.