Early retirement Ill health turned down .... now what

[Flakelydove]

I have been turned down for my early retirement on the grounds of ill health. I also applied for VR and was turned down for this also. My occ health adviser says he wants to support me with my work ? What can he do ? Can he reduce my hours as I couldn’t afford to lose any money ? Can I appeal ? He is looking more information from a specialist ??

[Buzzybee23]

Morning

I am sorry to hear you are having a hard time.

Do you belong to a union, if so get the support of your rep.

There are several stages that your occ health team will follow before they will say you are unfit for your current role or redeployment.

OH have to suggest reasonable adjustments because your employer is supposed to support you and do what they can to keep you in employment. All adjustments should be monitored and assessed over time and further adjustments can be suggested if necessary.

Are you currently signed off as unfit for work by your GP, are you getting support from other NHS departments.

I understand why you want early medicical retirement but you have to prove you are unfit for any work within your organisation.

If you on a final salary pension I strongly advise you avoid permanent reduced hours or redeployment as this could affect your pension.

As for VR each organisation has their own criteria. Unless your employer is planning a reorganisation or similar I think VR will depend on who you are, who you know and what you do.

Find out about a union rep and get all your organisations policies and procedures related to attendance at work etc. The more info you have the better.

Good luck I am sure many in this group can relate to what you are going through

[Flakelydove in reply to Buzzybee23]

Thank you for this. They are saying the OH will contact me with regards support ? I don’t know what this means ? I don’t want to reduce my hours as I’m in a final salary pension but I can’t see what other support they will offer. We have a redundancy situation at present and over 300 offers have been sent out however I was turned down for this also. I work HR so I know all the policies and procedures. I’m working from home at present however I really can’t do my job anymore with the constant fatigue and pain. I really hoped I would be offered something. They have asked for a specialists report and they could look at it in the future.

[Julesubu in reply to Flakelydove]

Thats the problem I was in similar situation in my last job. People being made redundant that wanted to stay and I was leaving to reduce hours and in less physical role. They want to lose the ones that cost less.

I have a flexible contract so can move my hours around etc so helps a fair bit, at home at the moment as well but as I have nocturnal insomnia the fatigue in day is brutal.

Hope OH can help you but yes if in union get some advice.

[Hidden]

Hi Buzzybee has given you the advice you.need so ok need for me to repeat it but to wish you good luck x

[Flakelydove in reply to Hidden]

Thabkbuouy

[Flakelydove in reply to Flakelydove]

Sorry that was meant to be thank you 🥴😂

[mand65]

Hi Flakeydove, I am going through this also, the occupational health Dr seems to be under the impression that GPS care about us and investigate all of our pains and symptoms, unfortunately we know better.

They are in the process of collecting information from my GP and consultants,(what consultants ?I don't know, I've only ever saw the rheumatologist once when I was diagnosed about 8-9 yrs ago)

I spoke to my union they suggested I appeal if I am not successful, do you have a union rep that would support you?

I was willing to pay for a private rheumatologist assessment, but due to covid no-one will see me.

Good luck and don't give up i know its very hard and stressful, but its also important to look after what you and your health need x

[Flakelydove in reply to mand65]

Hi yes we have a union and they have been very good. My GP is willing to refer me to a consultant however waiting list is over 2 years so going to pay and go private .... I couldn’t wait 2 years.

[mand65 in reply to Flakelydove]

Thats the problem at the moment not even private will see anyone, I've tried them all in my area with no luck. So just keeping my fingers crossed that GP is not as useless as he appears, although he has been signing me as unfit for work since Jan , so you never know...

All best hope you get the result you need x

[releasethemagic]

One if the things you can do is to apply for Personal Independence Payment- PIP. You will be assessed by a disability assessor for DWP and you can ask for a copy of that report. If you are already on PIP, did you use the report in your application for ill-health retirement?

A blue badge can also be used as evidence. If you need any adaptations at home, a Social Services assessment will help. You will receive a copy and they will fit handrails etc free of cost to you.

[Buzzybee23]

Howdee Flakelydove

OK your in HR so you know how your company manages sick absence.

How about you going sick and getting assistance from your GP.ie sick certs.and any other advice they can give.

You may be working from home but if your fibro is preventing you from doing your job you should call in sick.

I have been off work with fibro for ten months, I can't do my day job any more. Fortunately OH reports state I am not fit for any duties. I am now being medically dismissed.

I too have final years salary pension so I made it very clear I could not work reduced hours and redeployment was not an option.

Does the organisation I work for give a toss? No, I'm just another stroppy cow who knows her employment rights and got my rep to support me.

Remember you and your health must always come first.

[Flakelydove in reply to Buzzybee23]

Hi had been trying not to ring in sick but today I had to. Very upset had a call from OH doc in company and asked if I was still serious about applying for early retirement??? I was quite taken aback as I assumed he was there to support me. Have had to self fund a private appt with rheumatoid as the company need more info ... I just feel so disappointed been with the co 30 years and this is how they treat you.

[Buzzybee23 in reply to Flakelydove]

Morning

My heart goes out to you. Can I suggest you go back to your GP and get his/her support. Also chat with your union rep and see if they can offer advice/support.

Don't give up this could be a long hard struggle before you get the outcome you want.

[Flakelydove in reply to Buzzybee23]

Yes I will my own GP has been great and I have an appt with specialistv