Help when off on sick

[NjmG-]

Hi, I need some advice please any help I will be so grateful if anybody has experienced similar and has some advice for me

Bit of background - I have been off sick for one month, I am 24 have had endo since I was 16, I'm a full time A&E nurse I qualified and started my first job in Jan of this yr.

A lot of things led to me having to come off work in relation to how bad my symptoms were getting and how I was coping. I have been informed by HR I am now on half pay and not entitled to full pay due to not having worked there a year yet, I understand this but I feel a bit helpless and that I don't have much choice but to go back.

I have spoken with my health team at work re coming back and they have advised that if my only reason for wanting to come back early is because I am now on half pay then I really need to think about my health consequences because of that decision, which I understand but what else am I supposed to do.

I have never been off sick before I have done everything in my power to avoid it but I don't feel ready to go back and my GP has given me until January before going back due to my ongoing symptoms and following my management plan, but what do I do. I live in England and my rent alone is half of my pay so I don't see a way out unless I go back against medical advice because I won't be able to afford to live.

Any help please and thank you all. Xx

[plotments]

Get in touch with your local CAB for advice...... you might be able to claim for support with rent and council tax......You've got to put your health first

Could you get in touch with occupational health through work.....maybe they could give you some advice as well

take care xx

[Moon_maiden]

I’d echo plotments great advice. I hope that given your occupation they will be very understanding and help you, it’s not an easy job at the best of times. Maybe they’ll learn something from you. It’s obviously affecting how you feel from a thought process, are you on anything like the pill? Might help with balance and pain. Is everyone assuming it’s endo or have any other possibilities been explored if you’re in constant pain?

[Missy100]

Get in touch with your local council. You may qualify for help with housing and/or a reduction in council tax. While these do not solve the core issue, it may be a way to get by financially.

Also, consider speaking to your landlord to advise them of the situation and that you have contacted your council regarding assistance. They may be willing to give you some leeway until you hear back.

You may also be able to apply to your council for an interest free loan to keep you going temporarily.

Take a look at the Citizen's advice website. You may also be able to find information on the website for Martin's Moneysaving Advice as they often cover ways you might qualify for financial assistance when in need. You may even discover a charity organisation that may offer one off financial assistance that you might qualify for.

Returning to work when not in a physical (or mental) condition to do so is not a good choice. Especially in such a demanding position. I completely understand why you are contemplating this, but I urge you to exhaust every other avenue before resorting to this.

I wish you luck.

[EndoG]

Hey, I think everyone has already suggested what I was going to say. Citizens advice can be really helpful and talk you through a lot of options.

You’re not alone in this and if you need to talk more then please private message me.

I’ve had a lot of time off work too and gone back before I was ready, resulting in even more time off. I’m also off until January now.

I understand that the money is important for rent, but your health is the most important. You will be able to find financial support somewhere, but you don’t get another body- always put it first. Xxx