advice for a friend pls

shykins

i have a friend who is a single parent with 3 children under 10.. she claims WFTC and CTC but also works... her income is approx £1000 a month , approx £675 of this is WFTC and child benefit

the problem is that she has a bad back and knee and is really struggling keeping up her work as a Home help... if she gives up work she will lose her WFTC etc which would make it impossible for her to live

does anyone have any suggestions of what she can do to keep her income up to a similar level if she really does have to go sick which looks more likely every week

many thanks in advance for any help offered on behalf of my friend

x

Astaroth

Rather than giving up work and trying to find ways for the state to completely keep her why doesnt she look for another less physical job?

shykins

basically because it isnt easy finding a job that fits around 3 young children when you are on your own with no support from a husband especially when we live in a VERY rural area

anyone else got useful ideas?

x

singlehouseholder

Perhaps she could approach her employer to see if they could maybe arrange for her to do lighter duties,and to get a risk assesment done or perhaps they could transfer her into another part of the organisation, doing an admin role?
I'd advise she contact her local jobcentre-I appreciate it may not exactly be local as you live in a rural area- and see if she can have a chat, let them know her situation and i'm sure they'll be able to provide her with some answers.As bad backs are an extremely common complaint they may be able to point her in the direction of someone that can help her to MANAGE her pain. Otherwise, is she saying she can never ever work again? Seems a shame for her to have to give up her job. As you said you live in a very rural area and it may be that is she goes on the sick she will really really struggle to find work again, tell her to examine all avenues before resigning.Otherwise she may place herself in a position that sends her spiraling into depression, she'll be worce of financially and mentally!!

shykins

thanks for your suggestions single i will pass them on but i dont think she could transfer elsewhere... doing the homehelp fits around the kids and she is not admin oriented... she is forcing herself to do this work to keep up her income.

i just feel so sorry for her cos she is struggling and having a bad back myself i know how that feels
x

singlehouseholder

no-one is perfect though, if she can find a way to cope with the pain, maybe thats her only way forward. I had best part of a year off with my condition,it was possible that I'd have to get a section of my bowel removed- it still is a possibility for me. I've learnt to cope with it, my medication is at a level that I can function almost normally, she has to just give it a go and hang in there. Other than that, maybe working from home?
For me the thought of never working again sends shivers down my spine I'd need sending to the loony bin