Coping with work

[Mimilondon]

Since getting Fibro I have really struggled with work and now I have my diagnosis I’m not sure what my rights are? I also feel my full time job and everything else is too much as I keep relapsing I’m worried as I have children and a mortgage. Does anyone have any advice

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee]

have a look at our publications page at fmauk.org/publications and the employee / employers booklets.

[Greyt in reply to desquinn]

Hi is there any government help for someone suffering from Fibromyalgia fo older people . I am 67 , on my own so I still work part time but it’s getting harder to continue.

[Dylan62x in reply to Greyt]

At 67 I think that you are entitled to retire and don't think there is anything you may be entitled to from the government apart from your state pension

[releasethemagic in reply to Dylan62x]

Ajay has covered Attendance Allowance. It is not taxable or dependent on low income. If you are on a low income, council tax can be reduced to as little as 20% of the bill. Apply to your local council. Also you might qualify for disability reduction where you pay at the rate for the band below the band your home is in. The rules are complicated so check it out online. Also look into pension credit as this tops up State Pensions for people on low incomes. If you pay rent, investigate housing benefit.

[Deeb1764]

When I was first diagnosed with RA I sent the NRAS link like the one for Fibro and sat with my line manager to discuss the illness. At that time I did not know where things would go. I also sent it to HR. They got things such as headphone for telephone calls, altered hours for bad days and eventually as so bad had a whole different rota. I had to go from 45 hrs to 27 then covid hit. But I struggled. However if you can talk to your HR dept. as they cant help if they don't know. I appreciate some HR depts. run better than others but it is important to try and get adjustments in to assist you too. I now have a whole list of ad ons to Ra incl Fibro.

Big hugs .

[Dinkie]

Have a look at the Equality Act 2010. You are entitled to ask your employers for an occupational health assessment. My employers arranged one for me although I didn't want it. Best thing they could have done. The assessor came to the workplace and watched me work and discussed with me how to make my working life easier. So ramps were put in place, handrails, extra breaks if I needed them, special chair, car parking space next to the door, change in hours (I can't drive in the dark), revised uniform to take into account I cannot lift my arms above my head. It can be the little things that make it possible to stay in work. It did cause a certain amount of resentment amongst the other staff but once they had read up on fibro they were fine about it. However your employer does not have to implement adaptions etc if it would have an adverse effect on the company.

If your employers do not comply with the law they leave themselves wide open to legal proceedings. My husband's company ignored his medical needs and tried to dismiss him without going through the assessment stage etc. Eventually they agreed to occupational health assessment provided they chose the company. The company they employed agreed 100% with us and slated them for their ignorance. It cost them quite a lot of money in legal fees and compensation!

[Pagan707]

I think you should apply for PiP which replaces the old DLA. You can still claim it if you work and it is non taxable. It can also continue to be claimed alongside your pension. Either google it or go to gov.com for information. My neighbour works and drives and gets the middle rate for one and the higher rate for the other part. It is definitely worth looking into.