Amanda’s Story

In 2002 I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome and depression. My Osteoarthritis was as a result of a fall at work which has now affected my right knee, toes, neck, lower back and both shoulders.

My disabilities affect my ability to carry out normal day to day activities such as, socialising, household chores, shopping and walking for long periods of time.

I worked for my employer for 17 years and had always been open and honest about my condition. I found that my colleagues had a negative attitude towards me because of my disability and I would receive comments such as ‘you will lose your job’ and on occasions would find that my chair was knocked over and my footstool would be missing. I was referred for counselling but my employers failed to act on the recommendation that the matter was to be addressed.

There was a re-allocation of roles and my job was shared with a colleague who did not have a disability which meant that I had to share my equipment. I was moved to another room for three months which meant I had no access to my disability equipment at all.

I was asked to carry out a duty to help with the Christmas rush. I explained to my manager that my duties were modified because of my disability but this was ignored.

I went on sick leave due to work related stress as I had no access to my disability equipment and was forced to carry out a duty which I was not able to do because of my disability. I was referred for counselling and access to work mental health support services.

My Occupational Health reports recommended that I was fit to return to work with adaptations made to my workstation. I was informed by my employers that there was no suitable roles available for me.

I received a letter stating that my employment had been terminated on ill health grounds. I appealed this but it was not upheld.

I tried to apply for other jobs and went on training courses but found it a struggle to seek employment.