Temporary reduction of work hours

[Pink75928]

Morning! After lengthy chats with my line manager and HR, I’ve made the decision to drop down from full time to 3 days week. The last 5 weeks since I’ve been on MTX (I take this every Monday) I have had every Tuesday and most Wednesdays as either sick leave or I have finished early. In one case I fell asleep at my desk. My work are allowing me to do this on an 8 weeks trial and have said they’re happy to review every 8 weeks. I am hoping eventually I will go back to full time, but for now this feels like a massive weight has lifted as I don’t have to make that dreaded call saying I’m off sick. Im not sure if there are any benefits I can claim. I am a single mum. Does anyone have any wisdom of navigating the benefits world?? Xxx

[KittyJ]

I hope the reduction in hours helps you and mtx starts to work soon. I’d talk to citizens advice about benefits or try one of these in the meantime

gov.uk/benefits-calculators

[Pippy25]

As KittyJ says may be a call to Citizens Advice, Welfare Rights or if you have a local community based advice centre that can help you with this, maybe do a check to see if you are entitled or able to claim for or are missing out on any benefits. I hadn't a clue if I'm honest so it was only when I spoke to a Welfare Rights Officer he gave me some really good advice. Hope the reduced hours at work gives you the time and space to rest and recoup. Let us know how you get on and take care xx

[Hidden]

Hope it makes life easier until things settle. Good advice given already . Re benefits x

[AgedCrone]

Use your time off well…don’t think Oh I’ll catch up on the housework….do make sure you rest….keep well hydrated & definitely have a word with your rheumy nurse…if it is the Mtx that is making you feel so bad ….it’s worth having a drug review to see if either a change of dose, or even a different drug might be what is needed. It is usually best to try to push on with a drug….but needing to drop nearly half your hours really needs investigating.Not many people need to drop their hours permanently…..once you find the drug that suits you….you will quite likely pick up your hours.

[Hidden]

Morning. You can call our NRAS Helpline who may be able to advise. The number is 0800 298 7650 and the team is available Mon-Fri 9.30am to 4.30pm