John Brooke Gamlins Solicitors LLP

 Mental conditions or illnesses are classed as a disability – it is unlawful for an employer to treat a disabled person less favourably for a reason related to their disability without a justifiable reason.  Military? Police? Manual labour? Sales? Administration?

 What sort of business are you?  Can you accommodate the applicant employee?  Can you make reasonable adjustments?  Should you make reasonable adjustments?  Expectation management: other employees, yours and theirs?  Having difficult conversations

1. Support of health professionals? 2. Provide a varied job or routine for an employee, in terms of pace, method, skill? 3. Include any responsibility? 4. Allow for employee discretion? 5. Provide feedback?

1. Avoid the situation? Don’t ignore it. 2. Hesitate? 3. Confront the situation? 4. Force matters to a head? 5. Discuss matters frankly & fairly? 6. Listen

 Private / public / third sector: which suits you?  Why?  Why are you applying for that job?  Can you really do it?  Is it the sort of place you really want to work?  When to speak to a line manager – having a difficult conversation…

 High level of absenteeism?  Bullying?  Reduced productivity?  High work demands?  Low morale?

 Speak to your line manager. (Equiped to deal with these issues?)  File a grievance.  ACAS  CAB  Legal expenses insurance?  Don’t hide it or bottle it up: people generally want to help.

 Consult, consult, consult.  Act reasonably.  Reasonable adjustments?  Document everything.  Don’t write down or say anything you don’t want read back to you in court.  Ask yourself: what will the reaction be?  Am I insured

John Brooke Gamlins Solicitors LLP 3 Chestnut Court Parc Menai Business Park Bangor LL57 4FH