Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS
Our team of Employment solicitors consists of dedicated specialists and lawyers who deal exclusively with employment law. The team have over 30 years’ experience collectively and have wide, in-depth knowledge of all employment matters and disputes.
You can be assured Lawson-West’s solicitors keep up to date with the latest legal developments and changes to bring you the best advice.
Lawson-West’s expert employment solicitors and lawyers have significant experience of representing clients badly treated at work due to suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
If you are an employee suffering from an inflammatory bowel disease i.e. Crohn’s disease or colitis, you may feel some anxiety about whether your employer will treat you differently for matters associated with your ill health - such as time off. The law offers some protection, but the level will depend on whether you qualify as disabled as described within the Equality Act 2010.
Not everyone with IBS may consider themselves to have a disability, but in practice, you may well qualify for protection against discrimination.
If you are considered to have a disability because of your condition, you have the right to request a ‘reasonable adjustment’.
Thereafter your employer must take reasonable steps to implement the adjustments to your workplace or work arrangements required to ensure you are not at a ‘substantial disadvantage’ compared to other employees. It may be of benefit to seek the support of an Occupational Therapist who could provide you with examples of some adjustments that can be made to your role.
Reasonable adjustments could include:
• allowing time for medical appointments or treatment
• dispensation for your level of absence, if related to your disability
• flexible working arrangements, e.g. shorter hours or a different working pattern
• moving your work station so it is near a toilet
• providing you with a car parking space close to the entrance to your work premises
• allocating some of your duties to someone else
• offering a different place of work, unlimited toilet breaks
• offering you new tasks that are more suitable and providing training on them if required
Your employer may be entitled to financial assistance to help fund any adjustments needed through Access to Work via the Jobcentre Plus.
Making a claim
If your employer does not consult with you, carry out the necessary checks and investigations and make any reasonable adjustments required following your request your work may suffer. In some circumstances you may find that you are dismissed on the basis that you are unable to carry out the role. If this is the case then you may be entitled to claim against your employer for disability discrimination.
There is no minimum length of employment required to bring a claim at the Employment Tribunal, but it is important to lodge your claim with ACAS within 3 months of the act of discrimination occurring. It is therefore essential that you take legal advice on your situation at an early stage and as soon as possible.
If you’re an employee receiving unfair treatment at work due to IBS, we can help. Please remember there are strict time limits in Employment claims and you should take good free legal advice as soon as possible.
In addition to No Win No Fee, Lawson-West solicitors act for our clients on a variety of other funding arrangements including Legal Expenses insurance funding. We can assess your case to decide which is the best funding option for you.
With offices in Leicester, Wigston and Market Harborough our employment solicitors and lawyers can discuss your employment law claim at any of our branches. In addition, we are a national provider of expert employment law advice and welcome a free discussion with you regarding your circumstances and potential claim.
If you believe you have a situation where you require free legal advice, please contact us on telephone 0116 212 1000 or 01858 445 480, alternatively fill in the free Contact Us form and we will get in touch as soon as possible.
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