Where do I go from here

queenfan

I have had a visit today from occupational health, & I am a bit disappointed
I have been off work for over twelve months now, & my doctor as just written my another note for 6 months,
the woman was quite nice & could see things were getting worse with me,
This is the third time I have seen this woman, Who is now saying she is going to write to the school to explain my situation,
I don't whether it's because I am in so much pain, But I feel quite upset when she went on to say,they might finish on medical grounds
But I don't think they will pension you off for a few years,I asked her what was I going to do, she just said you will have to claim benefits
To top things off I still haven't heard anything from back specialist
Moan over, God I have ranted on abit SORRY
Sue xx

cebeem

Sue sorry you are feeling down like this.
That was by no means a rant,,, but an honest justified request for support.

I think there is a process to go through to do any of those scenarios, not something they can implement easily without lots of discussion, and involvement from you.

I'm not sure of your personal situation, but I am sure that you should have a big input into the decisions being made.

I have a friend who was in a similar situation 30 years service, but extremely poor health, she was given lots of support from the union on how to go about things, are they involved?

speedalong

Hi Sue,

sorry you didn't have good appointment with OH. How do you feel about your job? Do you feel you could return at some point? Do you want to? Would you prefer early retirement? Is that feasible? And if so, have you sought advice on this?

SPeedy

queenfan

Thank you cebeem, I never seem to understand when people start talking
about figures, & pensions :roll:

Speedalong I know in my heart that I wont be able to do my job & have got to the stage now where I want them to finish me, But I think from what the OH was saying on Thursday she doesn't think they will pension me off,
& I don't want to have to fight because I feel quite low with the pain at the moment,
I know they will win (how stupid is that)
Sue x

dorcas

Hi Sue,

just catching up with your posts and am sorry you're having so much to deal with. :roll:

I think you need advice about your employment position. Are you in a union? (some are rubbish but others are very good!)

OH should have told you exactly what she was going to be advising your bosses following that visit to you at home. :? and you have a right to ask for a copy of her report.

there are different routes that an employer can follow depending on what OH have been asked to report back on... 'capability' is the big one but it may be that you could apply for early retirement on ill health grounds which would give you an enhanced lump sum and pension... but you need to know first what your options are!

the union can advise you on what your employer's policy / criteria are for early retirement..... and/ or you could phone HR and ask for a copy of the policy.

I can well understand that this is a lot to consider..... but knowing what your option are is better than sitting worrying about it.

There are a few on the forum who have gone down the early retirement route and can offer advice and support.
you are not alone Sue.

Iris xxx

ps. early retirement was the best decision for me... comes a time when health just has to be the priority.xx

janie68

Hello Sue

Good advice there for you. I just wanted to say that my position is not quite the same but I'm in a position where I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. I recently went back to work for a trial as I'm at the point in the sickness process where I need to consider ill health retirement. I am really struggling big time and if I do retire (at39!), then I would also have to claim benefits too.

I have RA and I want to work, it's part of me and I would be lost. I am thinking about it, and wrestle everyday, benifits would make me vulnerable in terms of medicals, govt spending review, money.

Sue, I do feel for you, but I don't understand why you can't go for your pension if they finish you on medical grounds, How backward is that?

You are not alone and I applaud you for trying to the right thing, but it may not the right thing anymore for your heatlh

Janie