stress at work

[Thornthorpe]

just had date for my capability hearing feeling completely devastated it’s come to this been in the same job over 26 years . Been awake all night sheer panic that I might loose my job , pain and stiffness just don’t know were to get help and advice

[Fadeddenimcutoff]

Hi, I've been off work because of fibro for a year. Had lots of fitness for work meetings in the meantime. Latest one I was told I can't even go into the works because of the tablets I'm on. Eventually they will finish me off. The stress of all this causes bad flare ups in my symptoms. I'm trying to accept what comes my way without stressing which is very hard. Hope it goes well for you!

[Dinkie]

There is support out there, CAB, ACAS and in our area we have something called Balance Employment Support. Not sure if other areas have the same thing but worth a check.

In your previous post several members gave their advice, have you suggested an occupational health assessment or a phased return to work or other reasonable adjustments to enable you to return/stay in work? Have to say that having gone down this route if was the best decision as it has enabled me to stay in work for far longer than I would have imagined.

You should be able to take a colleague or friend with you to any meetings but you need to let your employer know in advance who will be attending. They may block an outsider from attending unless they are an employment professional but will allow a colleague to accompany you.

Hope you get some resolution soon.

[R-OD]

Hi Good Luck with this, have you checked how much your pension will be if you take it now? Also you may be able to take ill health retirement which can enhance your pension but you have to ask for it x

[Ammangirl]

I remember that feeling well, sometimes I thought it’s harder to be off work than in as all the anxiety it caused me. There’s lots of advice out there and this group in particular were really helpful when I was going through the same thing. I know that it’s different for everyone but last year after being on sick for 12 months I was let go from work on ill health grounds. I can only speak for myself but felt better for it as the job itself was very stressful and the thought of going to sickness related meetings nearly tipped me over the edge. I had with me from the start someone from my union who was very well informed about these things and helped me through to the end.

I also know you will also be worried about how you will manage financially and again that is different for everyone. I’m lucky enough to have a husband who works and have applied for benefits such as PIP which have been a help, I’ve cut back considerably but can honestly say having one less stressful situation in my life has been beneficial for me health wise.

Good luck with everything today I hope you get the outcome you are hoping for, best wishes x

[SlothMode]

Hiya Thornthorpe,

I’ve been there n I just want u to know there is life after it. My employer was terrible once I got sick, they pressured me, stressed me out n insisted I attend meetings or it could lead to dismissal. At the time my Dr was trialling my drugs n I was really sick . They even came to my house for meetings when I got my Dr to explain how ill I was. I jumped through their fire hoops but it still lead to retirement due to long term health conditions. Sadly a lot of employers take this cruel approach. At first I was devastated, heart broken n angry but I came to realise I was better off out of all that pressure n stress. I had less flares n gradually rebuilt my life back up. I just wanted to let u know the other side isn’t so bad. What will be will be, u can’t stop or change their decision. Plus there is help out there contact the CAB. Gentle hugs 😊🤗

[Thornthorpe in reply to SlothMode]

thank you that’s really made me feel more positive, I really do feel stress of work is making me worse , and it’s time for a change 😀

[SlothMode in reply to Thornthorpe]

Awww I’m happy I helped. Just don’t worry let them do what they need too. Hold on in there n make sure if they are retiring u that u get a good settlement. Then u can contact the CAB to help u with benefits. After that u can concentrate on u n your fibro 😊🤗

[Elifant]

I went through this in September after 3 years of intermittent sickness absence. At the time, I was very anxious and felt as though my entire identity was under threat after 28 years of doing the same job.

I now get PIP, standard rate, ESA but this may be taken away and I’m using savings. But even with these financial issues, I am so glad I was dismissed. It was scary but I am so happy not to have to constantly think about walking into a toxic situation. Some employers have no compassion and will drag you through these meetings with great satisfaction but the last laugh is in them because you won’t have to think about it anymore.

I hope it goes well and you get the outcome you need. Good luck.

[Cov2020]

Hi I too was dismissed on health grounds. I feel for everyone in that position. It put me in a permanent stress flare. 4 yrs on and although life is still a struggle with pain, it's one less thing you have to juggle. The transition from work to being home 247 is easy once you take on board the universe is taking you down this route for a reason. Good luck for the future xx