Working

[Jake25]

I am 55 years old, I had to give up my job as a carer working in a care home doing 12hr shifts. I have COPD and osteoarthritis of which I'm having a bad OA flare up at present. My question is am I still employable? I gave up my job after shielding for nearly twelve months and if I'm honest my breathlessness was getting worse as the job was hard manual at times. My employer did not have a different role for me, so I had no choice but to quit. I currently receive universal credit but they are constantly on my back regarding me finding a job, they have put me in touch with an agency working for the government to try get people back to work, but they are not much help, all they do is tell me to apply for jobs that are not even relevant to my experience. Basically they have a box ticking job. But they are now constantly on my back so I've got both of them constantly badgering me. I feel very down at the moment and totally fed up. Sorry to be having a moan as I know there are people far worse off.

[Bevvy]

It’s impossible for us to know if you fit for work. We don’t know how conditions are affecting you. I managed to work until recently by working part time. I have to be honest that was all I did. Time off was spent recovering from working. Especially the last couple of years of working.One reason I was able to work part time was because i receive PIP and that helped with lack of full time wages. If you are not on PIP then that might be worth pursuing.

The best person to support you with regards fitness to work is your Gp. If Gp gives you a fit note stating not fit for work that will help. Especially if states this long term not only whilst having OA flare up.

[Jake25 in reply to Bevvy]

Thanks for the reply

[Hidden]

I know exactly how you feel Jake, I stopped working at age 54 because of COPD the risk of lung infection is very high during winter months even without covid, I would chat with your doctor to see about being signed off sick and unfit for work. I don't know how bad your lungs are but if you think your breathing is deteriorating you may want to request referral back to respiratory consultant to get up to date CT scan lung function test. OA flares are very difficult as well and how long they last and how often they affect you throughout the year would be another thing to consider and discuss with your doctor about going on sickness benefit.

Good luck with whatever your choices or job offers.

Best wishes BK

[Jake25 in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou so much for your reply Bkin. 🙏

[Bingo88]

Hi Jake25. I know exactly how you feel. I was made redundant after 20 years in the same job and they were hassling me after a month to get back to work. And I asked them why they didn't hassle the people who have been unemployed for over a year. Really annoyed me. I was already doing all i could to find work. Only suggestion I have is a lot of companies are after staff to visit people in their own homes and you could do that part time. Get some benefits which your entitled too and keep them of your back. Hope this suggestion helps. Good luck. Brian

[Jake25 in reply to Bingo88]

Thank you Brian really appreciate your reply.

[Bingo88 in reply to Jake25]

Hope you manage to sort something out. And take care. Just tell them at the dole you have paid in for long enough and you're share