My Employers - toilet monitoring

[mantaray]

Hi,
Just wondered if anyone had come across their work monitoring toilet breaks, my work are just introducing this. Employees have 5 mins and if they go too many times it is flagged on a report. I am horrified that they are considering this. They are aware of my condition and I am talking to HR and my manager tomorrow with a GP letter. I just wondered if anyone had been in the same situation and if they don't agree to stop monitoring any advice to take this further.
Many thanks

 

[shamrock15]

A previous employer of mine did this. They weren't too picky about it with me. A couple runs on short term disability provided some credibility!

 

[Sophabulous]

I haven't had this is my current job but a colleague did in a previous one. She has had an unsuccessful surgery on her bladder so has to go quite frequently.

They made arrangements to fit things around her. I'm not sure where you are but here in the UK if they don't make allowances for you then it could definitely be seen as disability discrimination!

 

[mantaray]

thanks, I am in the Uk ,so hopefully the HR/ manager discussion that I am having tomorrow should be enough for them to not monitor me. Will let you know what happens.

 

[Lizzie]

I've just taken a look at the Crohns and Colitis UK information sheet on employment and IBD. It says things like severe bowel incontinence (even if infrequent) count as an impairment under the Equality Act 2010. You can ask for reasonable adjustments, including unlimited toilet breaks. Worth a read if you haven't already seen it, as it's specific to the UK.

 

[Sophabulous]

thanks, I am in the Uk ,so hopefully the HR/ manager discussion that I am having tomorrow should be enough for them to not monitor me. Will let you know what happens.

See how tomorrow goes and if you feel you need more advice definitely give ACAS a call. They are brilliant and completely free. They helped me a lot with a similar issue, (potential disciplinary due to 3 separate absences from work in 12 months.) don't ask!!

If you feel HR aren't quite getting your point then mention to them that you will be seeking advice from ACAS and advise they do the same. They deal with employment law for both parties.

Your employers might have a bit of a shock if/when they realise what more you could be asking for as a reasonable adjustment! That could be home working, private toilet facilities, flexible working etc. Giving you unmonitored toilet breaks is naff all!

Good luck, I've been through issues with a part time job I had so I know how it can be like banging your head against a brick wall with HR/management!

Let us know how you get on

 

[mantaray]

thanks for all the support, today did not go well, at the moment they are refusing not to monitor my toilet breaks, they say that they have increased the trigger points and that should be enough allowance for my condition. I have said that I am not pressing a button on the telephone every time I need to go to the toilet which then monitors the time you are away from your desk and have said that if they take me to a disciplinary then I will take it further. They have gone away to discuss this and will speak to me tomorrow. Feeling very low at the moment that no one understands what I am going through. Will see how it goes tomorrow but will definitely give ACCAS a ring. Thanks again

 

[Sophabulous]

thanks for all the support, today did not go well, at the moment they are refusing not to monitor my toilet breaks, they say that they have increased the trigger points and that should be enough allowance for my condition. I have said that I am not pressing a button on the telephone every time I need to go to the toilet which then monitors the time you are away from your desk and have said that if they take me to a disciplinary then I will take it further. They have gone away to discuss this and will speak to me tomorrow. Feeling very low at the moment that no one understands what I am going through. Will see how it goes tomorrow but will definitely give ACCAS a ring. Thanks again

I'm sorry to hear it didn't go well. Sometimes it's almost like you could wish this on somebody just for a week until they understand and then take it away again.

I would give your GP or IBD nurse a call too, I'm sure they would be able to write a firmly worded letter for you.

I hope tomorrow is better, I promise ACAS are brilliant and will make you feel a little less powerless!

X

 

[Pug Gamer]

That is disgusting. Makes you feel like they dont understand at all. I mean, what do they think your doing in there!?! I would definitely ask your IBD nurse for support, and your GP to explain in that note, that witholding toilet breaks or timing you could result in worsening of symptoms and could mean time off. I hope your not too stressed over this. Fingers crossed they fully understand when they next see you.

 

[mantaray]

Finally they have seen sense, they have agreed not to monitor my toilet breaks. Very relieved and trying to calm down but I can't believe what I had to go through for them to understand. Thanks everyone for the support and advice. But if I ever have another issue I will definitely call ACAS.

 

[Sophabulous]

I'm glad to hear they've sorted it for you. I would also raise a grievance over your treatment so they have to investigate. Hopefully that will prevent the same thing happening to someone else.

Take care

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

I too am thankful you're being taken care of!!! Your situation sounds like mine.

While in a two year long flare I too spent more time in the bathroom than working. I was brought into the office and told that my coworkers were all complaining about me because of having to constantly cover me at my check stand (my manager was intent to fire me and was trying to use this to do it.) But, that's a longer story than I care to explain. I got pretty upset too. Thankfully I'm better now and have a store director who takes care of me.

Take care of yourself!!! :hug: