Help

[Joobie666]

Hi I'm Julia I'm 50 and work two part time jobs. I suffer with arthritis, Fybromyalgia and have recently been diagnosed with COPD. I am on my second final warning for sicknesss with my main job. Islam constantly tired and in pain and it's getting harder to keep up with my 50 hours work a week. Hence the increased periods of sick I am on my own with a mortgage and I just don't know how I'm going to cope or what I can do about the situation. The only thing I know is I can't carry on like this for much longer. I enjoy my work it keeps me going but I'm at y wit's end trying to figure out what to do for the best. I have no idea what I am entitled to if anything but I'm burning out fast. Does anyone have any advice please. Regards Julia

[knitter]

Hi and welcome, I am so sorry that you find yourself in a difficult situation...the BLF have a helpline which is open during the working week and they have advisors that may be able to help you if you live in the UK.....you can contact them by email or phone...details on the BLF website.

The Citizens Advice Bureau may help too, and have you told your health practioners about your difficulties.

Best wishes.

[Joobie666 in reply to knitter]

Thank you very much for the welcome and the help. I've always been one for just getting on with things. The fybro gives me foggy brains and I can't concentrate on anything. I will look on the website and go to can to see if I can get any help. I work for the health service and they were shocked to discover I class myself as disabled. I can cope with work just but when I get home I'm totally wiped out. The GP is lovely but just deals with symptoms and nothing else. If your bottom is on the chair for more than 5 mins your lucky. Thanks again

[aberdeenman]

hi you should speak to your bosses about your health issues, they may be able to help

[Joobie666 in reply to aberdeenman]

Hi thank you I have but they still have to follow the process and procedure. My manager did say please don't worry but I can't afford to loose my job.

[casper99]

Hi Julia and welcome to the board.

I'm sorry to hear you are struggling like this. It seems as if your a real grafter and have battled on despite your worsening health problems. If you think you can manage part time work, (16 hours.) You can still get paid PIP and would be eligible for tax credits. PIP is not for your illness but, to help with the difficulties your illness causes you day to day.

I would go and see your Docter, and tell them how hard you are finding work with your problems, to ask if they would provide the evidence for you to claim.

If your Docter says you can't work at all, you would claim for ESA. You would still have to pay the mortgage but, DWP would pay the interest on it.

You can go to your local cab office for help filling the forms. Let us know how you get on. xx

[Joobie666 in reply to casper99]

Thank you so much for your advice and help I really appreciate it.

[Bevvy]

PIP may well help financially and it doesn't matter how many hours you work. I receive PIP and it helps me keep my hours to a manageable level. I also live alone and have a mortgage etc so I understand where you are coming from. I work 24 hours spread over 4 days. I try hard not to think of how much money I would get if I was able to work full time. But concentrate more about how little I would receive on benefits if I could no-longer work!!

How supportive is work? Can you negotiate fewer hours? Why are you on a final warning? Have the made allowances for your disabilities? In other words have they looked at 'reasonable adjustments'?

50 hours does seem a lot to be doing each week for anyone. Never mind some with your issues.

[Joobie666 in reply to Bevvy]

I'm on my second warning we get three for sickness. I didn't think I would get pip because I'm able to dress myself, feed myself and work although I am am finding it difficult. I don't earn alot of money which is why I have the two jobs. I will have a look at pip. Thank you for your help. Hope you are alright.

[Bevvy in reply to Joobie666]

Well I know people with fibromyalgia who work who get PIP. Yes you can do those things but how easy is it? I can dress self but get up at 5:39 because it takes me so long to get ready to leave house at 7:20. Have to keep having a rest. Yes I can feed myself but rarely prepare foods now. Buy lots of ready meals.

Above are just examples to help you think about it.

You are certainly covered by the Equality Act which states reasonable adjustments should be made. For example If people get 3 warnings for sickness someone in your position is likely to have more time off. So you should get more warnings/ leniency.

Hope this helps.

[Joobie666 in reply to Bevvy]

Thank you so much that really does help. I think I'm just so exhausted and uncomfortable I can't think straight. I really appreciate your help. Hope you are well .

[Bevvy in reply to Joobie666]

No problem and feel free to contact me whenever you want.

[katieoxo60]

Hi Julie, if I were you I would consider working lesser hours if your employer would allow, or looking for a new job on grounds of disability which would allow you to claim tax credit on disability grounds to top up your income. There is a lot of sound advice in your post replies so carefully consider all options as many benefits are frozen at past rates with no predictable forseeable increases in the future. In work you would no doubt get small wage increases, mortgage wise you could sell and go for rented but I would say try to rent a room out in your home to help with mortgage costs. As rents are often higher than mortgage payments. Good luck with trying to reorganise your life to fit your new circumstances.

[Joobie666 in reply to katieoxo60]

Thank you very much