I changed jobs in October thinking that it would be a new challenge for me, unfortunately what I didn't realise (and regret not asking) was that I would be required to sit in front of a computer screen for 7/7.5 hours a day and add on top the longer travelling time. This caused me excruciating pain in my neck/shoulders due to the RA and I had to resign from this position due to health reasons. This is the first time that the RA has impacted heavily on my working life. my previous role allowed me flexibility & I was able to do different things so I wasn't sat in the same position for too long. The new company were aware of the RA but didn't really assist with anything as the 'role was what it was & there were no alternatives'
I now find myself in a position I'm not used to, diagnosed with depression, in pain with the RA and stressing about what to do next about a job. I'm scared to sign on as I think the job centre will put too much pressure on me to find a job & I don't want to go into the wrong role again. I don't think the job centre will look kindly at me for resigning from my role without any sick certificate, but I had to leave for my own sake & the worry I was causing to my partner & my parents.
If anyone as any advice on what I can do it would be most appreciated.
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Widget
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Hi Widget, wow, you've certainly had a really bad time of it. I voluntarily left full time work because of the discomfort of RA. I'm going to be very interested in the replies. Although I'm not signing on, I will at some point probably need to see what I'm entitled too it things progress further.
I wanted to stop by though and say - as a very recent joiner to the site - this site is so fantastic and the sharing of information. Depression and isolation due to the disease are ongoing topics and are posted about regularly.
Hope you're enjoying the festivities as much as you can, and my best wishes,
Toby
I would go to the doctors and get a sick note or you go to job centre and ask for assistance to work around your disability organisations such has dial would be able to advise you ,there should be help and support for you.
My, Widget, it sounds as though you thought you were doing right & ended up doing wrong. I can empathise with your neck & shoulder pain though mine is a result of cervical spondylosis (OA) & has improved greatly since introducing a new med. I know I couldn't sit for so long though even now & though it's too late now your ex employer should have been under obligation to make your work as comfortable & acceptable as possible for you, especially as they were aware you have a chronic disease.
The Job Centre have Disability Employment Advisors. I haven't had an appointment with one myself though I was booked in to see one then my circumstances changed but understand they can be helpful. Maybe this link will help you jobcentreguide.co.uk/jobcen... & this nhs.uk/Livewell/Disability/.... I've read other members here have had help from them so hope you receive some help or advice.
Meantime, I take it your GP is helping you & referred you for help, if you wanted it or felt you needed it of course. Do remember the NRAS helpline though if you feel you'd like to speak with someone who's aware of RD & all the stuff it throws at us nras.org.uk or freephone 0800 298 7650
Do keep in touch & let us know how you're getting on.
I know it's too late for this job, but anyone with a disability can get help with their working environment. My next door neighbour, when she had to spend long hours on a computer, had a different desk much higher than usual, wrist support and an adapted keyboard on a slope. She also had a break every hour to get up and walk around.
Make yourself an appointment with the advisor at the job centre so that you are not put into this situation again.
Your employer should have told you about the availability of help - but they often don't know either!
Hi Widget,
sorry to hear about the job. You are protected under the 2010 equality act at work and employers are required under this to make reasonable adjustments so that you can carry on with your employment. However, the interpretation rests with the word "reasonable". If an integral part of the job is something that you are unable to do then there is not much that can be done. Nomoreheels has provided some good links for you and I have put a link below for you to our publication on work:
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Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
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