Work after an accident

[Greedyfly]

I was wondering if anyone can offer advice?
I slipped in the street and badly broke my ankle, I had to have surgery and have been off work for 3 months. I was paid sick pay right up until last week now I am on SSP (which is ridiculous, doesnt even cover the rent). After all this time I have finally been told by my physiotherapist that I can return to work with a walking stick. I work in a shop which has no lift and 3 floors, but I am capable of walking up stairs with & without my stick (its just there if I need it really). I contacted work last week about coming back & now they are saying there not sure they will have enough work for me to do which doesnt involve me walking too much or carrying (which is a big part of my job I admit). I have worked for the company a long time and am confident I could go back part time even and have enough to do (and that way I would earn more than the SSP, not enough but more all the same). They are getting health & safety involved and H/R, and they will be assessing whether they will let me return to work. Surely if I have medical go ahead they have to let me back?
I have recently spoken to citizens advice about whether I was entitled to financial help as I am now unable to pay bills etc... but TBH they were not very helpfull & I have since found out I am not entitled to anything, so I have to to start earning again.

Thanks For Any Help

[PeelerPal]

If your employer feels that they cannot accomodate you with any position which will accomodate you for your condition, it is important that you ask your employer to give this to you in writing then you can take this to your GP and prove thaat although you are able to walk with the aid of a stick, you are still unable to carry out your duties to which you are employed. Your GP will then be able to sign you off from work and put you in touch with a physio therapist in order to assist you with full rehabillitation. you will also be entitled then to make claims for benefits and you should go to your local job centre to discuss what you will be entitled to in order to support your living. I hope this helps you.

[Greedyfly]

Thanks for your answer. I am currently having physio & will be continuing for a while yet I imagine. I have contacted my local council about benefit claims & I am not entitled to a thing until July - which is when the SSP runs out. It seems ridiculous that I am expected to pay rent and bills and food with �75 a week - it just covers my rent! I just feel working are trying to get out of paying me when they have someone who can do my job for me - which although financially makes sense for them, is surely a contract issue?

[cassa333]

I would imagin that they are interested in your welfare and your ability to do a good days work without further injury to yourself or others. What do you suppose they should do if you have to carry boxes up or down the stairs and you fall? or you fall on someone else on the stairs?

Often we think that H&S has gone mad and is too pinicity but sometimes it is there for a real reason.

Your ability to do your job is an important aspect being allowed to return.

[Greedyfly]

Yeah I do believe they have some of my interests in mind - I agree that if I go back too early I may set back my rehab but the problem is that even when I can walk fully without a stick I am still not going to be able to do my job. I wont be able to lift or be on my feet all day - surely they have to accomodate this?