Train driver and anxiety

[Rusty1201]

Hello, I have a question regarding train drivers and anxiety in the uk. If you are signed off by a doctor for stress, could you be sacked by the train operator? Does anyone know what the process is, are they able to just fire you for having a bout of anxiety?
Thanks

 

[theironroad]

Hello, I have a question regarding train drivers and anxiety in the uk. If you are signed off by a doctor for stress, could you be sacked by the train operator? Does anyone know what the process is, are they able to just fire you for having a bout of anxiety?
Thanks

Every medical issue will be treated individually in consultation with occupational health.

A bout of anxiety or stress would only result in not driving on a temporary basis until the issue is resolved or managed medically.

If the condition became so unmanageable and became very long lasting, I'm thinking more than a year, and the prognosis wasn't positive and the result meant you couldn't drive again, then you'd either be redeployed or depending on age, medically retired.

You certainly can't be fired on a whim.

If you're a current driver, you could contact occupational health, union reps, HR or some companies sign up to external providers that provide advice and counselling.

Good luck.

 

[LCC106]

theironroad put it perfectly. Just to add a little, if the anxiety were related to the job and just couldn’t be shaken off, that would potentially be another reason for redeployment.

 

[RailLady]

Hello, I have a question regarding train drivers and anxiety in the uk. If you are signed off by a doctor for stress, could you be sacked by the train operator? Does anyone know what the process is, are they able to just fire you for having a bout of anxiety?
Thanks

It is best to discuss this with your hr department. They will provide advice and guidance and guidance on the matter.

You have a duty of care to ensure you’re capable of driving the train. And the company you work for has a duty of care to ensure you wellbeing, on top of your ability to drive. They won’t be looking for a way to stop you being a train driver and that’s that. They have responsibilities and processes to follow.