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Current Employment Discrimination?

I am after some advice but it's a long story (and rather unbelievable as well :/)

I am an army reservist. I have been since 2003. I began working as a civilian a police force in 2005. They were informed and aware, etc. I also joined as a special constable.

Whilst on as a civilian duty I was injured quite badly several times, suffering from recurring problems so I left my role and moved to another, still within the same force. I contained to have issues but these were negated by the lesser role.

I was then assaulted again, but this time as a special. It took nearly three years of troubles before I was diagnosed with severe PTSD. As it turned out I had been coping, My PTSD had been manageable but it developed into a form of severe PTSD due to the bullying and harassment of my manager. I suffered from worsening effects which were believed to be epilepsy. I continued on until 2015 when I was signed off, official due to a back injury but suffering from the yet undiagnosed PTSD. I was signed off long time sick, so I wasn't working and also, naturally, did not parade with my squadron.

I attempted to return to work twice, and each time I requested to also return to the reserves, explaining to my work that I was MLD (and then MND) and even providing and explaining my Appendix 9. Each time this was raised I would be refused, citing they didn't want to put me under additional stress. They refused to accept that I wouldn't be under any additional stress as the reserves were actually supporting me quite brilliantly.

the police began to set different criteria before they claimed they would allow me to return, stating that I needed to be on full hours, then carrying out my full duties (which they weren't allowing me to do anyway), then that I had to work another three months at full duties and so on.

Throughout this I was undergoing diagnosis and then treatment for my back and the PTSD. It eventually got to the point they were will going to Ill Health Retire me due to the issues. I initially argued against it but was convinced by my family that my health was more important.

On my return from sick leave I would then be put through disciplinary proceedings, which gradually worsened my mental state to the point that I would be signed off again.

I was also then diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of 2016, believed caused by the stress i was under (naturally cannot confirm this was the case but there are documents around stress and cancer). Naturally, more time off sick commenced, despite which I still attempted to return to work.

Each time I returned I would be given actions plans which stated to return to my full role, but then my managers would refused to allow me to return to any part of my role. Naturally, as I was unable to fulfil these objectives I would then be passed for a continued disciplinary until I eventually was put in front of a final board with the power to dismiss me.

This board was at the end of March and, thankfully, was found in my favour. From what I have understand my managers were ordered to place me back into my full role (despite this it still took me three weeks to be allowed to properly work again by them). Due to the period of time off I have had to be retrained, not an issue, I actually haven't suffered from skill fade and just have to learn some new processes. I am still working up my hours though but will be back onto full hours within a couple more weeks.

This leads to my issue: the police are still refusing to allow me to parade with the reserves, now citing that my HR department are denying me. I have asked HR for the policies under which they can do this, initially I was told that there weren't any, only that I had to make them aware. They then stated that under certain operational parameters I could be refused by my line manager (not HR). These parameters basically come down to the likes of the London riots (although funnily enough they would quite happily allow me to become full time as a special constable if this eventuality).

The reserves are now looking to discharge me, despite all of their support they cannot continue to wait. I can understand that whilst I am off sick, naturally i cannot parade, but i cannot see how when I have retuned and am working they can still block me, to the point that they have written letters to my OC and CO and have even phoned into both the HQ and my own squadron demanding time sheets and informed them that I am off sick and therefore am not allowed to attend. the police initially claimed they hadn't done this, and then claimed it was standard practice for reservists. No other reservist in the force that I know has been made aware of this.

Are there any avenues which I can look at?

Can I claim discrimination or the like?

Are there any services which I can speak to for advice that aren't solicitors (without my reserves income I don't even have the money to maintain anything other than my mortgage due to the loss of pay from my sick leave).
 
Do you not have access to the Police federation?

As a reservist you will have access to the RBL and other military charities.

Ultimately a solicitor specialising in employment law is your best bet.
 
I am after some advice but it's a long story (and rather unbelievable as well :/)

I am an army reservist. I have been since 2003. I began working as a civilian a police force in 2005. They were informed and aware, etc. I also joined as a special constable.

Whilst on as a civilian duty I was injured quite badly several times, suffering from recurring problems so I left my role and moved to another, still within the same force. I contained to have issues but these were negated by the lesser role.

I was then assaulted again, but this time as a special. It took nearly three years of troubles before I was diagnosed with severe PTSD. As it turned out I had been coping, My PTSD had been manageable but it developed into a form of severe PTSD due to the bullying and harassment of my manager. I suffered from worsening effects which were believed to be epilepsy. I continued on until 2015 when I was signed off, official due to a back injury but suffering from the yet undiagnosed PTSD. I was signed off long time sick, so I wasn't working and also, naturally, did not parade with my squadron.

I attempted to return to work twice, and each time I requested to also return to the reserves, explaining to my work that I was MLD (and then MND) and even providing and explaining my Appendix 9. Each time this was raised I would be refused, citing they didn't want to put me under additional stress. They refused to accept that I wouldn't be under any additional stress as the reserves were actually supporting me quite brilliantly.

the police began to set different criteria before they claimed they would allow me to return, stating that I needed to be on full hours, then carrying out my full duties (which they weren't allowing me to do anyway), then that I had to work another three months at full duties and so on.

Throughout this I was undergoing diagnosis and then treatment for my back and the PTSD. It eventually got to the point they were will going to Ill Health Retire me due to the issues. I initially argued against it but was convinced by my family that my health was more important.

On my return from sick leave I would then be put through disciplinary proceedings, which gradually worsened my mental state to the point that I would be signed off again.

I was also then diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of 2016, believed caused by the stress i was under (naturally cannot confirm this was the case but there are documents around stress and cancer). Naturally, more time off sick commenced, despite which I still attempted to return to work.

Each time I returned I would be given actions plans which stated to return to my full role, but then my managers would refused to allow me to return to any part of my role. Naturally, as I was unable to fulfil these objectives I would then be passed for a continued disciplinary until I eventually was put in front of a final board with the power to dismiss me.

This board was at the end of March and, thankfully, was found in my favour. From what I have understand my managers were ordered to place me back into my full role (despite this it still took me three weeks to be allowed to properly work again by them). Due to the period of time off I have had to be retrained, not an issue, I actually haven't suffered from skill fade and just have to learn some new processes. I am still working up my hours though but will be back onto full hours within a couple more weeks.

This leads to my issue: the police are still refusing to allow me to parade with the reserves, now citing that my HR department are denying me. I have asked HR for the policies under which they can do this, initially I was told that there weren't any, only that I had to make them aware. They then stated that under certain operational parameters I could be refused by my line manager (not HR). These parameters basically come down to the likes of the London riots (although funnily enough they would quite happily allow me to become full time as a special constable if this eventuality).

The reserves are now looking to discharge me, despite all of their support they cannot continue to wait. I can understand that whilst I am off sick, naturally i cannot parade, but i cannot see how when I have retuned and am working they can still block me, to the point that they have written letters to my OC and CO and have even phoned into both the HQ and my own squadron demanding time sheets and informed them that I am off sick and therefore am not allowed to attend. the police initially claimed they hadn't done this, and then claimed it was standard practice for reservists. No other reservist in the force that I know has been made aware of this.

Are there any avenues which I can look at?

Can I claim discrimination or the like?

Are there any services which I can speak to for advice that aren't solicitors (without my reserves income I don't even have the money to maintain anything other than my mortgage due to the loss of pay from my sick leave).
Complex. But are any of these ever simple? As posted above, Police Fed are for this & should have all the expertise you need. Or Unison / whatever for issues related to the non-uniformed role.

Failing that, absolutely agree with above: get a decent solicitor before things become even more complex.

With the best will in the world, you won't really get what you need here: you need a face to face with someone. Good luck and hope all turns out well.
 
Both the Federation and Unison are refusing to become involved. They both state that as it would be action (in any form) against the police they cannot assist as they are employed on behalf of the police!

I'll have to look around for a firm that does no win or something.
 
Both the Federation and Unison are refusing to become involved. They both state that as it would be action (in any form) against the police they cannot assist as they are employed on behalf of the police!

I'll have to look around for a firm that does no win or something.
Sorry, mate, but if you're being told that, you're being told complete, distilled and UTTER bollox. Unison full time officers (and this is where you should direct your queries if the workplace rep is useless) are not, repeat not, employed by - or on behalf of - the police. If they couldn't come into conflict with employers, why would anyone join a union? Unison for non-uniformed staff & PCSOs only, of course.

Likewise, the Fed exist to represent the interests of warranted officers. Even where this involves conflict with the employing police authority. I have no in-depth knowledge of the Fed, but there are serving and ex- civpol around here who might shed some light.
 
I agree with you there, but I the Unison staff are worse than the reps. as for the Federation, I spoke to the direct line about it and was told by them.

Anyways, cheers for the advice all.
 
I sound like you're being given the runaround by people who don't have a bloody clue about their jobs. There is, of course, the possibility that they're being instructed from above to give you said runaround in the hope you'll simply go away. No win no fee I reckon this'll end up.
 
Both the Federation and Unison are refusing to become involved. They both state that as it would be action (in any form) against the police they cannot assist as they are employed on behalf of the police!

I'll have to look around for a firm that does no win or something.
That makes no sense to me at all. Do you have any of that in writing (including email)? I'm aware of issues about Special Constable representation by the Police Federation, but Unison should be representing you in your capacity as a civilian employee, assuming you are a member.
 
Don't underestimate the reach of the Union. I taught in FE for 2 1/2 years and felt no need to join a union. Then came 'the unpleasantness' (well the guy was being a tw@t and someone had to point it out to him.......;)...). Thankfully, the management fùcked up their own disciplinary process and I told them to ram it. By the time they resubmitted it I had joined up and the very formidable lecturer rep (fine lady, built like a brick shīthouse - 4 foot 6 in every direction) went into bat for me. Next thing they had gone for the lowest of reprimands which had no effect on the reference I asked for a few months later when I quit. For a dyed in the wool Conservative, my 4 weeks of Union membership proved very useful.

PS Mrs Devex is a member of Unison and they have been very helpful to her on a couple of occasions where things might have escalated and the rep has managed to get everyone to calm down and see sense.
 
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