General Chat

As many of you on here are aware, I had major heart surgery and 2 strokes this year. I have been signed off sick for the last year. For 6 months was on full pay and then 1/2 pay for 6 months.
I took all the holiday I was owed 2 months ago and have no SSSP left but I get a payment of ESA fortnightly until I return to work.

So after managing to drive and feeling well enough to return to work, I get the the Drs report on me. It basically said that unless i can can wear PPE, which I cant then I am unable to continue working in schools.

HR emailed me very late today and have advised me they are trying to find temporary work i can do from home but its proving difficult and I should remain at home until they find a solution.

I am use to working along children who have special needs. So I'm not sure what work I could do from home?

If they tell me there isn't anything I can do, where does this leave me legally? I have a contract for 18 1/2 hours. Could they make me redundant on the grounds of ill health, offer me early retirement but I'm only nearly 59 or what?

Is there anyone else on here in this position?

After achieving driving after not for a year and feeling better in myself, Im now feeling a little deflated as you can imagine.

I guess I shall just have to be patient and see what they come up with. HR did say that any other job they can find me would only be temporary but realistically Covid isnt going to go away so how long would temporary mean?

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks

Florence in the hebrides

I can't help with answering any of your questions (because I don't know the answers) but I wanted to wish you well and ask that you try not to get too despondant. Try to keep your chin up. Something will turn up for you and I hope it does so very soon. My very best wishes to you.

Florence at least they're trying to find you something which is good. It may not be the same but it's something at least. It would be wise to not return to school during the current situation as your health is more important. Good luck.

Florence, hard for you not to be able to return to school, but that is for your sake not theirs. You need to steer clear of places where you could catch Covid. It maybe that you could do some sort of admin work for them from home. Otherwise (I don't know the rules any more, especially in Scotland and where you are) but it may be there is a provision for Medical early retirement with a pension. Try not to let it get you down (I know easy to say). As Caroline says your health is the most important.

Florence, if you're in a work-related pension scheme is it one where you can claim it early because of ill health?

I know ours operated that way.

Are you in a union - they help with this kind of problem

I can’t help either but I wish you luck and hope your problem is resolved very soon. <3

Weird I had to finish work due to a bad fall was carer in community full pay 6months the half pay but was told couldn't work again so at 59 was given notice on sick pay untill 60 when I got pension had to wait 4months .so don't know your pension age its
changed now. Well a few years ago I was retired at 60 then pension Age was raised .hope you get sorted Florence

I would have thought that with your health issues it would be well worth looking into ill health retirement.
I knew of a head teacher who was released on the spot when it was discovered she had quite severe arthritis as she was considered a danger to the little ones in her charge.

Thankyou for all your advise & comments.

If I was to retire early, I could access my council pension but at the moment that would only be worth about £150 per month which is not enough to live on.

As I have been off a year, I have no SSP left or holiday pay and as from 27 th oct I will be on zero pay!

I shall wait to see what happens during next week and depending on the outcome will have to consider my options.

I do belong to unison.

Thanks again

Florence in t he hebrides