Help please

[rogerr]

I saw the occupational health doctor yesterday and he said that I would be lucky if I made it to retirement age with my illness--I am 55. I am off sick a lot and obviously my employers, the local council, are not very happy with this. I would not be happy with this situation if I was the employer, and if I leave, I know I am unemployable due to my age and illness. What the hell do I do?

Barbara

[Polotoo]

Hi Barbara

Sorry to hear you are unwell.

Would your employers consider getting you signed off and onto the pension scheme early due to ill health? I know we've done it where I work, not really sure of what impacts it has on your pension though, but might be worth discussing with your HR manager.

Is there anything your employer can do to help you? Can they reduce your hours or provide support to help you?

I don't think you should leave as you may loose out on benefits, but so understand you predicament. Perhaps a meeting with your manager or the HR department will help you through this difficult time.

I hope you feel better soon.

Polotoo x

[Buenchico]

I'll give my support to Polotoo's suggestion regarding talking to the HR department.

It might also be worth while talking to someone at your local CAB. It seems that either now, or at some time in the future, your illness might force you to give up work. If this is going to happen it would be best to be well-prepared for it, especially with regard to making sure that you claim all of the state benefits which might apply. As I've said, the CAB is probably the best source of information but this might be a starting point:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/discare/

Chris

[rogerr]

Thank you both so much for your advice. I will certainly contact HR and CAB.

thanks again

Barbara

[patc7641]

Barbara, go to your local Jobcentre and ask to see the Disability Employment Adviser, they should be able to you an idea of what your employer can do to try and retain you in your current post. There are many ways the DEA can assist both you and the employer. Also there is an obligation to look at making adjustments to aid you back into the workplace, with your consent. Things such as, redeployment, shorter hours, more flexible hours etc.

[rogerr]

patc

Thanks for your reply. I really was so shocked at what I was told. My own doctor had never mentioned that I wouldn't live that long. Basically I love my job and don't want to leave, but the Ocupational health doctor says I should tell my doctor that I should see a specialist and if he doesn't agree, I should change doctor!!

That is not so easy when you live in a small village. I am now "piggy in the middle" in this situation.

Thanks again for caring to make a reply.

Barbara