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June Page, 48, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 18 years ago. She lives in Nottinghamshire.
‘I work 30 hours a week. I’m a business assistant, which involves secretarial work. I’ve been with my employer for 25 years. The difficulty for me is actually getting around. I’m on the ground floor, only because I’ve made a noise about it.
It’s not policing, but they do monitor sick leave at work and they say: “If you’re having problems, you can talk to somebody independent. Occupational health can advise you”.
People have to think positively and meet their employer halfway. I know what suits me – ergonomic keyboards and a specific chair. My mouse is moulded to cup in my hand – it’s so big, I call it my rat.
The change in legislation has been apparent recently. We’re a large site, so they’ve had to put in disabled access. I think employers need to be aware not just of ramps, but also distances. I still think there’s an element of discrimination outside larger organisations.
I’ve been very fortunate I’ve got an understanding line manager. I can fulfil a good secretarial role because I get support. I have to pace myself. If I’m struggling one morning, I’ll call my line manager and say I’m going to be in a bit later. Communication and being open is the key.
It’s not a visible thing, my arthritis. If I’m asked to do things I struggle with, I ask somebody if they would mind helping me. They don’t mind.
We’re working on a new building to house 200 people, and I’m on the occupancy committee. They have met the legal compliance but we’ll talk about the next level, meeting individual needs. I’m fortunate I’ve got an employer who wants to hear it.’
