Warrick
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
‘A lot of people affected by disability and chronic illness do their best to hide it from employers due to fear of being targeted, especially out of fear of being fired. I would think this is more prevalent for those suffering mental Illness.’
Warrick, late 30s, has bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression and chronic pain.
He has worked full time for more than a decade.
While his disability rarely impedes his ability to work, he takes more sick leave than a person without disability. He has to attend regular medical appointments – one medication is administered fortnightly – and occasionally spend time in hospital.
‘Over the course of the last financial year, not only has it cost me a significant amount of money seeing doctors, specialist and paying for medication, I also lost [tens of thousands] in wages,’ he told the Royal Commission.
Warrick constantly worries about keeping his job. He worries his employer will become tired of all the sick leave and reduced capacity and fire him.
‘You also don’t feel like you are a good employee, that you aren’t doing enough, that you’re the weak link in the team. It follows you home – the worry about your job, your abilities and your future – and for me, this can feed my depression.’
Following a recent flare-up, Warrick was admitted to hospital and couldn’t work for a couple of weeks.
‘I can’t rely on a consistent pay check. Unpaid leave affects my salary on a regular basis … I have no sick leave to rely on when I need to take time off due to my disabilities. Something that the average person doesn’t need to worry about as much as a person affected by disability or chronic illness.’
Lately, Warwick has had to rely on family for financial support and a place to live.
‘It became apparent that I was not financially capable to live on my own any longer … It is unlikely that I will live on my own again in the future.’
Warwick wants specific leave for people with disability or chronic illness to help minimise financial stress. He suggests GPs provide a letter to HR, not the person’s supervisor, confirming the person meets the criteria for disability and chronic illness leave.
‘While sick leave exists, this only protects the average worker. It provides limited and inadequate protection for a person affected by disability or chronic illness.’
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.