Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights.
I became disabled nearly five years ago, losing the use of my hands gradually over 12 months, with my general mobility becoming more impaired. I’m now transitioning into a wheelchair. Prior to this, I had been employed for seven years in middle management with the same employer and was doing well in my career. I had never had any issues or performance concerns, and I was considered to be a high achiever.
I was made redundant 14 months after becoming disabled, but with a good package I accepted it and moved on. I interview well and had a good CV.
I was offered a new job quite quickly, but when I declared my disability the role disappeared. I decided after that not to declare my disabilities until I had my foot in the door, so to speak. I did just that, declaring my disability on day one of a new job and was made “redundant” 11 months later.
Evidence of discrimination was gathered along the way and I was offered a payout. Cue next job, same thing, and same outcome. Now I’m 13 months into job four and in same position. I know the signs and am manoeuvring before what I now believe to be the inevitable happens.
I know the law is on my side regarding discrimination, but taking a legal/official complaint route is both distressing and unpleasant and I would hate to go through that again. I don’t want to be in a position where I have to keep on fighting.
So how can I get off this merry-go-round? Now that I am a wheelchair user, at least I don’t have the dilemma of whether or not to declare my disability.
I don’t think my support needs are great: lightweight equipment (laptop, phone etc.), dictation software (£80) and now I need wheelchair-accessible premises. Above everything, I need a manager who will support me, but how can I assess that in the job interview process?
What do I need to do differently to not just get a job but keep it? I don’t know how to get my career back on track.
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
