Hi all, I have returned to work this week and as I thought, my normal duties are impossible for me to do in my current condition. My boss has sorted me some office work to do for the next few days but there’s not enough to keep me busy going forward as it is a fully staffed office.
So HR have had a chat with me today about my knee and general health. There’s nothing that can be done to help with regards to reasonable adjustments in the job, I am required to be on my feet, kneel, bend, move kitchen equipment around to work with plumbing equipment etc. with a painful and swollen knee that suddenly becomes impossible to bend the job is undo able and it can be long hours with considerable amount of driving thrown in (driving is not great with a knee like this either), so they are taking about terminating my contract for ill health reasons.
I have to say I have been expecting it but not sure where it leaves me. I have been on ssp for about 6 weeks, and returned to work this week, does anyone know if I can go back on to SSP or is there anything I can get until I’m fit for work (whenever that happens).
Written by
Wolf68
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It might be reasonable for your employer to dismiss you if you're unlikely to be fit enough to do your job any more and they can't offer you suitable alternative employment. Your employer will be expected to do everything they reasonably can to help you. If you do have to stop work you might be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Universal Credit, and other benefits.
Hi Wolf, you don't say how old you are, but you might be able to apply for early retirement on ill health grounds. Speak to your HR department and ask them what they can do. As mentioned by Dorset lady, citizens advice may also be able to help. You could also visit your local job centre and ask them for help, they should be able to point you towards some free help by you.
You can apply for Universal Credit if you are unable to work. Unfortunately it’s not much money unless you can prove that you are unable to work on a long term basis. The DWP doesn’t like parting with money, and you will have to provide medical evidence and be interviewed at your local job centre. They are helpful in finding you more suitable employment, or if you’re interested they can offer you free training in other more suitable areas. Benefits aren’t really the best or only option. Good luck 🤞
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