Long Term Sickness

ianmurison

My wife (aged 47) was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). She is a civil servant, in local government (15 years). She has been 'long term sick' since June 2009. My wife has been under an RA Consultant who is trying to stabilise the condition which is taking much longer than was anticipated. My wife has been in receipt of 6 months full-pay and now the half-pay period is due to end in May 2010. She has a 'Sick Certificate' which extends beyond May this year (2010). There have been meetings with her Line Manager/HR and it has been mentioned that alternative employment within the company would be an option, but due to the nature of the work, i.e typing, that is all that would be available which would have an adverse effect on my wifes medical condition. We are concerned with what happens next: Could she be dismissed under the 'Incapacity' rules? Or is it likely she would be offered early retirement and receive Pension Benefits (She pays into a Pension through her salary). If anyone could advise, or has been through a similar situation, this would be really appreciated. I have tried looking for information on the ACAS website, but can find nothing conclusive.

CharlieBilly

Couldn't her union help with advice etc. She might be eligible for ill health retirement assuming other avenues have been exhausted like alternative employment within the organization

You would get a better response if you posted this in the jobs forums

Employment, Jobseeking & Training

Nosht

She will probably be offered an appointment with Occupational Health (or similar) to assess her illness then the decision can be made.
Usually early retirement on health grounds would be offered if he situation was serious enough.

Regards,

N.