Work

[Disneytime]

Hi, I just wondered how everyone coped with work . I work in a school and I am on the sick af the moment but due to return soon . I just so anxious and scared that I will catch covid as I'm immunosuppresed at the minute . My consultant has advised me not to return and look at ill health retirement but I am only 51 . Any advice would be appreciated .

[Hidden]

I'm sure a lot of people here would like to help but I don't see how they can. It depends on how much you love/hate your job and whether you could afford to retire. Whatever you decide do keep in touch, there are cleverer people than me on here. 😉x

[tomc in reply to Hidden]

Well that`s a rubbish statement Don-1931, I think you are a very cleaver Gentleman. Cleverness is more to do with ones abilities and I think we all agree you are top of the tree.

( GET DOWN before you hurt yourself ) HAHAHA,

[Hidden in reply to tomc]

I'm comfortable here, thanks.

Keep smiling!

[Alberta56 in reply to Hidden]

For goodness sake don't disappear. Leave the grin behind if you really must.(Signed Dormouse: care of Mad Tea Party)

[Hidden]

You should stop working at a school Kids are germ factories and always have something mostly colds. I agree with your consultant

[tomc]

Listen to your consultant. even tho you retire ON MEDICAL GROUNDS and specialists advice.You will get medical discharge Pension and IF you feel up to it a small job failing that you could pursue a hobby.

Just Because you are medically retired DOSN`T mean you are on the scrap heap.

That is how my medical officer at the Highways put it to me also he reiterated I would have the pension for life. the main point being you are not washed up on a desert Island with nothing.

[Bevvy]

This is a difficult situation and one I can understand. I retired almost exactly a year ago on health grounds.Be aware it is NOT an easy process to go through. And decision is not down to your consultant!

You need to speak to manager to arrange appointments with Occupational Health to discuss situation.

You will require supporting statements from medical staff and occupational health. This information then goes to independent doctor to make decision.

So you know (I was also only 51 when process started) that local authority ill health/medical retirement is not easy to get especially at such a young age. There are 3 separate tiers and each one means a different thing financially.

Are you a member of a union? Mine were useless but at least I had them…

I would be happy to discuss further and privately if you PM me.

[CDPO16]

I think that maybe it's a decision only you can make, taking into account medical advice. I take it that you aren't able to work from home in any way which would be helpful for you. Are you able to continue your sick leave while you weigh everything up? Whatever decision you come to I hope that it will be the right one for you. Best wishes.

[Bevvy in reply to CDPO16]

The difficulty is. Is that ultimately it’s up to this independent doctor from pensions people who makes final decisions. If Disneytime decides to look into this she needs to be aware of that fact. So much as she may believe she wants medical retirement she needs to prepare for what to do if doesn’t happen. Be it stay in that job? Seek alternative options within the school or work else where. Certainly occupational health will want to explore any possible work options within current work place.

[CDPO16 in reply to Bevvy]

Yes I am aware of that. Have a friend who applied for early retirement on health grounds and had it turned down.

[Bevvy in reply to CDPO16]

That’s crap for your friend 😟

[CDPO16 in reply to Bevvy]

Tis, she was very upset as you may imagine as she really isn't well enough to work although wishes she was.

[Disneytime]

Thank you for everyone's advice . I'll weigh up my options .

[Jill777]

hi i used to work in a school mostly doing one to one with special needs kids. The school i was in expected everyone to do playground duty whatever the weather. i was also given a lunch time duty that i really didn't like doing . also when you work lone to one if they have p.e. outside you have to go with them for support and all the trips outside even school holiday trips. With COPD you are advised to avoid the extreme heat and the extreme cold. It was easier for me to retire earlier which is what i ended up doing after nearly 20 years.

[Bevvy in reply to Jill777]

Disneytime will be covered by the Equality Act and is entitled to Reasonable adjustments. The examples you have given would be covered in that she would be exempted playground duty, PE outside and trips in extreme weathers. It would be up to management to implement this and stating that others have to do duties simply wouldn’t “cut it”!!

[B0xermad]

Hi Disneytime,I like you went through the same situation with school working and at age 54 had to medically retire after going for a medical with health care governing body and trialling part time to the end where my health deteriorated with numerous infections due to the environment of a school and that was before covid entered our lives.it is such a personal thing to know when the right time or decision is for your best interests. Good luck

[yorkpensioner]

As others have suggested - it depends on your circumstances. In my case I'm single and was made redundant at 54. I'd recently been diagnosed with COPD and also had problems with arthritis in my back, so my health was a bit uncertain. Fortunately, I worked in a good job with an insurance company and didn't have a mortgage. The advice I was given by a co-worker was that if I carried on working I'd be 'paying into someone else's inheritance' (I have 2 great-nieces). I worked out that I could support myself until my pension arrived at 60 so I stopped working (and found things to do which didn't require a lot of money eg playing bridge and walking with the ramblers ). However, I do remember a teacher who had retired early complaining that he had enough to live on, but not enough to do anything so he needed to find a way of earning money. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Phronsias2]

Hello

I took ill health retirement last Feb, I got the lump sum without access to my pension, before I agreed to retire I applied for PIP which I got thankfully. My employer could not wait to get me out, All the best,

PS, It was the best thing I ever did.

[Egpa]

Hi, I retired in 2018 under medical grounds bronciactsis asthma, RA, I also worked in a school and had been out sick for over a year. Can't get my pension until I'm 65 but I have been. Able to get PIP and ESA , I also cashed in a small works pension. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

[jodew]

Hi Disneytime, I worked in a school too as support staff. Schools are a hot bed of viruses, not a good environment for those of us who are immunosuppressed.

Unfortunately I myself found myself too poorly to return to work and eventually lost my job on ill health capability grounds. Age doesn’t come into it - I am younger than yourself. Your health comes first, and if your consultant has advised you don’t return and to take ill health retirement, it might be best for you to follow his advice,

Alternatively, you could perhaps remain off sick with a fit note and request an OH referral? Schools have been unfortunate with COVID outbreaks recently, despite putting measures into place, as well as other nasties - is it really worth the risk given your current state of health?

Whatever you decide is your own choice to make, but do consider advice from medical professionals seriously - they do have the knowledge and professional experience.

[Walkwalkwalk]

Good morning Disneytime. I hope that all of these lovely responses are helping you with your decision. It is a difficult one for you but do remember that fear and anxiety will undermine your immune system a lot so your present situation is contributing to that. Remember the usual recommendations of slowing your breathing, gentle exercise and meditation will all help you be in a positive place from where to decide your next move

My very best wishes Grace

[Alberta56]

Best wishes in coming to a decision. Our fellow lungies have set out the pros and cons very clearly, but on balance seem to be in favour of retiring. i hope this makes it easier for you. xx