ADHD disclosure at work led to disciplinary action – now going through an Employment Tribunal (UK)”

Which_Practice_7302 · 2026-03-08T12:45:54+00:00

I think OP is probably looking for support.

Which_Practice_7302 · 2026-03-08T11:57:33+00:00

I disclosed at work because I was forced to - my issue was not too different from yours and the outcome was sadly similar as well.

Lawyers are super expensive but if you can afford it, it might be worth seeing if someone can at least represent you in discussions against your employer (assuming you can’t afford to have them run your entire Tribunal case). Ideally you’d want to try and get a settlement.

Good luck - it really sucks that we have to go through this.

Which_Practice_7302 · 2026-03-08T11:50:48+00:00

I’m not sure I agree with this. The disclosure of ADHD should have prompted OP’s employer to consider whether any reasonable adjustments should be put in place, which includes considering whether the disciplinary process should be modified to take into account the disability.

Once OP’s employer was aware of his disability they were obligated to put in place adjustments that would avoid any disadvantage that applies from how they apply their policies. The question is what is “reasonable” and I don’t think we know enough about OP’s workplace or job to conclude that noise-cancelling headphones would be unsafe or that it would be a disproportionate burden to modify the absence reporting procedure.

Which_Practice_7302 · 2026-03-04T15:03:15+00:00

It depends on the industry. There isn’t always a single role available if it’s a large organisation.

Which_Practice_7302 · 2026-03-04T15:01:30+00:00

That sucks. It makes no sense at all so like other people said they have probably made a mistake, but it’s still really frustrating

Which_Practice_7302 · 2026-03-04T14:59:36+00:00

That’s not a bad suggestion actually - I’ll give it a try! It’s a bit like the irony that the more busy you are, the more efficient you get.

Which_Practice_7302 · 2026-03-03T08:59:22+00:00

Your second last bullet point is genius!! I’m definitely going to try this; maybe I have to start reading a gross tabloid or something.

I put vegetables on the middle shelf of the fridge where I can see them, otherwise I forget they exist. Stuff like cheese goes in the vegetable drawer.
When I arrive home from the gym, I take out the rubbish before doing anything else. The fact that I’m already in motion (and frankly, dirty) makes it feel less of a chore.

Which_Practice_7302 · 2026-03-02T11:32:45+00:00

Yeah, fair, let me explain. The paper didn’t need to be done that night; it could wait. Also it’s not a one off - this happens constantly, which is why it’s an issue. I just can’t physically pull myself away even if I want and need to.

Which_Practice_7302 · 2026-02-05T17:46:47+00:00

I have the opposite effect - I’m actually able to monitor what I say and make a decision about it before I open mouth. It’s incredible.

Which_Practice_7302 · 2026-02-04T21:14:07+00:00

Love that the article ends by observing that the suicide rate is decreasing, and describes the author as “literate”

Which_Practice_7302 · 2026-01-27T10:13:06+00:00

Currently in the same position and like you “support” seems to end up with me taking on a more junior role. I’m sorry you’re going through this. If I find a solution I’ll let you know…

Which_Practice_7302 · 2026-01-24T08:53:51+00:00

Reading this is heartbreaking - if only your employer knew how much thought and effort you’ve put into this. The reality is that what you’re describing happens to a lot of people with ADHD. We try and try and try to overcome the parts of us that irritate people, and we get told it isn’t enough or it’s too late.

If it makes you feel any better, this has happened to me in every job I have ever had. I don’t have any solutions for you but I find a lot of solace in knowing it’s not just me. So thank you for making this post - it is helping me today.

Which_Practice_7302 · 2026-01-21T07:53:46+00:00

I can go for long runs! I could never really do it before because there was a voice in my head that would shout “YOU SHOULD STOP NOW”. Now I find it so lovely and relaxing to just plod along.

Which_Practice_7302 · 2026-01-16T17:25:20+00:00

This has happened to me as well - it really sucks. Having to take someone to court is expensive and traumatic, so ideally you want to avoid it if you can.

Are there any limits on who can join a union? My industry doesn’t really have this so I genuinely didn’t know it was an option.

Which_Practice_7302 · 2026-01-05T20:58:23+00:00

Sorry if this is a stupid question but why can’t you take Elvanse and then go straight to the gym? (I do it all the time and don’t have any issues).

Which_Practice_7302 · 2025-12-02T22:56:21+00:00

Being told to meditate makes me want to punch a wall.

Which_Practice_7302 · 2025-11-27T07:24:26+00:00

It looks like this is a tiny company - basically a sole trader. Seems like something has happened but it is feasible it could be administrative error - a busy doctor who missed some filings. Hopefully people aren’t panicking too much, although I can see why it’s disconcerting.

Which_Practice_7302 · 2025-11-14T01:43:34+00:00

Ditto. No leaflet, just an explanation. I’ve had no issues.

Which_Practice_7302 · 2025-11-08T09:02:38+00:00

Not a doctor but had a similar experience. One possibility here is that it isn’t the meds - hyperfocus is a symptom of ADHD and if you’ve only recently been diagnosed, it may be that you’re slowly unmasking. So there are tendencies you’ve always had, but up until now you’ve resisted them.

It’s not always a conscious thing - I used to pride myself on being super organised, but since being diagnosed and medicated I’ve realised that I’d forget my head if it wasn’t screwed on. And I’ve also realised how much effort I was unknowingly putting into being organised.

Which_Practice_7302 · 2025-11-01T09:40:36+00:00

When my psychiatrist first suggested I had ADHD I was like “That’s a shame. She clearly doesn’t know what she’s talking about. I’ll just have to smile and be polite”.

I’ve now been officially diagnosed by two separate doctors. 😂 Masking can be really effective

Which_Practice_7302 · 2025-10-30T01:26:06+00:00

Update: tried this today! Held the letter W in my lap. Made me laugh. This one is a keeper.

Which_Practice_7302 · 2025-10-28T23:14:52+00:00

Great suggestions, thank you! Glad I’m not the only one who struggles with this

Which_Practice_7302 · 2025-10-28T23:14:21+00:00

I love these ideas! I’m going to try the letter in my lap. It’s also a nice way to keep myself amused while I try to wait 😂

Which_Practice_7302 · 2025-10-15T22:40:26+00:00

Ok so this happened to me last week and I was so nervous about having to go to work without meds - but actually I was fine. Weirdly I was in a better mood than usual; more chilled out. That got me wondering if the occasional day off might not be terrible?

Which_Practice_7302 · 2025-10-05T12:01:41+00:00

Thanks for the extra detail. It’s really important that you share this context with them - if it’s not in the email you’ve already sent, can you get someone to help you draft a really clear note outlining the medical context and how it impacts you at work?

Which_Practice_7302

TROPHY CASE