Advice on what to do next?

Frenchgirl

Hello .

I am not sure if this is the right place for this but any advice would be gratefully received.

I work for the NHS as a support worker, a job I loved. Since May 2009 I have been off work because I keep collapsing and so far have had no clear diagnosis.

I have been told that I would be a health and safety issue and could no longer work with patients (I understand and accept this)

My problem is (and I know no one but me can make the final decision) however I would like other peoples opinion is do I take another job with the NHS (admin has been spoken about but no firm offer) or be made redundant due to health reasons or ask to stay as a support worker.

I no longer receive any pay from my employer and I am waiting to hear about benefits (Another long story)

I am hoping once I know what is causing my illness (MS has been spoken about) I will be able to return to work.

Sorry to waffle on but one of the problems I am having at the moment is trying to put my thoughts in order. Thank you for reading this far!

Savvy_Sue

I would wait for a firm offer / substantial discussion with occupational health. And it may not be clear for some time whether you'd manage even an office job.

But note that they can't make you redundant on health grounds - they can only make your post redundant if the work is no longer there.

They can dismiss you because of your incapacity to do the job, but that's not the same thing.

elsietanner71

If you take redundancy, you become unemployed and you reason for leaving your last job would be discussed at any future job you apply for.

If you take the admin role, that would not happen and may allow you to look for something else.

Do you want to take the admin role?

It may help to talk your issues through with a Careers Coach. They are trained to help you make your own decisions regarding your future.

Visit www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice or call 08080 100 333 8am to 10pm everyday. The call and the service itself is free.

I hope whatever your health issue is, it isn't anything serious and that you feel much better soon.

Frenchgirl

Thank you both. Sue you mentioned they can dismiss me because I cant do the job but its not the same thing as redunant on health grounds? Would you know why?

I must admit Im frightened for my future employment. I hate not doing anything. I cant volunteer because Im off sick. I know I cant work because I cant get through the day at home without "falling".I am normally a very positive person but being off work and unable to do much is affecting my mood. I dont want work to know how bad things are incase they let me go.
Elsie I will try the careersadvice service. Thank you both for your comments.

Savvy_Sue

Redundancy is where a job or job role is 'surplus to requirements' as it were, not where someone can no longer do that job, for whatever reason. See what ACAS has to say about it.

That's why I don't see that an employer can make you redundant on health grounds - is that what your employer has said they might do?

Has your employer asked you to see their Occupational Health department? It's true that they might advise that there's no way you could return to your job, but if they can identify what you would be able to do safely then your employer should see if that can be accommodated. For example, if there's any scope for support work within the office (rather than in client's homes) or by phone, that might be suggested, IF you're able to do that.