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HGV driver Lucy Radley is thankful for a company that has stuck by her in sickness and in health.
Page 13
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Since my previous column appeared, I've become Official Company Pariah. There's nothing like a wagon driver for taking things personally, and more than 50 of them decided to do just that. The thing is, I feel a bit guilty, if only because I know my own attitude has changed somewhat over the past two years. Let me explain. When I first got my HGV licence, it was supposed to be a trade for life. I pottered along doing the minimum I could get away with for about six years, and then the bottom fell out of my world when I was diagnosed with MS.
Goodbye full licence, goodbye job. Who wants to employ a driver who can't drag heavy pallets off or strip a tilt, and who might announce at any moment that her legs have decided not to work that day?
Never mind the new Disability Discrimination Act, I'd have got shot of me. We all know that it wouldn't be difficult just issue a written warning for the next three minor mistakes and you can start looking for a useful person.
But no, this firm has stuck by me. I've never had to ask to be kept off certain jobs, or for longer rest breaks and shorter hours. Where small changes have been needed, they've happened. The least they deserve in return is for me to put some sort of effort into what I can do.
I've spoken to and read about so many fellow MS sufferers who have had serious problems with employers in supposedly more modern sectors that I can't help thinking we do this industry a huge disservice when we talk about it being stuck in the Dark Ages.
I'm not the only one in this situation, and I've been surprised by the willingness of their transport managers to continue to work around them. So while I'm prepared to moan about some people and take the flak for it I must add there are others who I have respect for.
Meanwhile, as for all the 'healthy' drivers out there, one day the bottom might drop out of your world, and not just with MS, but diabetes, heart trouble, high blood pressure, back pain etc. At which point the firm you spend so much time slating will no doubt do the right thing and help you pick up the pieces. Won't they?