Can I get the sack for having a lift phobia?

[Kayson12]

Hi guys, iv worked for a care company for 3 years, I used to always use the lift to take residents to bed, but one day I got stuck in it and had a major panic attack, iv become worse now...... I can't get in it at all, iv been prescribed medication which has not worked, luckily iv worked with good people who use it instead, but a new company has taken over and I wondered they could sack me if I refused to use it? thanks xxx

[dzug2]

Given that you are unable to do a major part of your job, I would expect yes, they could if they wished sack you. Doesn't mean that they will, but they could

[weecalf]

New company have took on board this place .So as you are part of the the staff . I would imagine that you as an important member of the staff has your fear of lifts addressed in a compassionate why .

[RATTER15]

I would imagine this would phobia would be considered a disability, in such a case the company would need to make every effort to accommodate you, for instance, could someone else take these resident up in the lift and you meet them upstairs and then take over.

I think you need to find out if this phobia is in fact a disability.

[Wrongn3mber]

Excellent point ratter15, I've uncovered this for the op.

http://www.disabled-w...finitions/phobias.php

[4getmenot]

get your current company to write a letter to them

[boxtops]

It might be helpful to talk to your doctor further about this, to see if your employer can help you with desensitising your fears. I used to be terrified of lifts - I'm still not comfortable - but when I worked on the 7th floor I just had to make myself get over it, I couldn't manage all those stairs. However - your getting stuck is not so much an irrational phobia, more a real fear of it happening again, I can't think of anything worse ;-(
Try to do it one floor at a time, always having someone with you who understands - it can work, but I know how scary it is.

[pink-kittens]

is there another option to use though? What do you use the lift for?