Thinking About leaving my job....my health is suffering. Advice please!

I-Owe-You

Good morning all... I wonder if you can help me, I am in a bit of a dilemma....

I am severely deaf and suffer with a balance disorder, which effects my mobility & makes me susceptible to falls - suffering bouts of unbalance and dizziness a few times a day. I do take medication to control this, but it unfortunately this doesn't stop the symptoms completely, and i suffer a drop attack where i hit the floor, around once every 6-8 weeks.

I am lucky enough to still be able to work full time, but have recently had a long time off of work on sick leave due to various new hindrances (just moved from small offices to one large open planned office consisting of 80+ people being the main one). I am struggling going back, as I struggle greatly in hearing in these environments & have very little hearing to communicate with as it is, it is obviously expected of me to produce the work in my job description in the setting, but I feel I am no longer able to do so. I suffer with permanent tinnitus as well, and often leave the office with headaches.

I've had assessments and equipment bought for me which I am extremely grateful for, but still struggle in the environment as obviously hearing equipment does not block out the background noise - just amplifies EVERYTHING. There is no separate smaller office for me to work in (Ive tried!), I am on the 5th floor and the loo is on the 3rd (I cannot use stairs so am dependant on lifts). I have asked about being redeployed in this big organisation but they just wont listen. - considering they happily display their two ticks disability plus logo on their public correspondence I've had nothing but problems with my employers in obtaining equipment for my needs (18 months!!).

I'm scared about leaving my job as I live in London with £800 a month rent to pay (believe it or not this is classed as affordable as my partner is a key worker!) we are on the council social housing waiting list but still haven't heard anything after 2 years of bidding on properties; i am also on a separate list for OT to be reviewed as a priority for housing, but unfortunately there is also a 35 month wait there. I have never claimed benefits in my life (aside middle rate DLA for my disabilities)...

Believe it or not, we are in the cheapest 1 bed property in London from a housing association (private would be even more!) we cannot move further out of london because of my partners commuting costs to work would make it counter productive. Moving (aside us not having the money to - unless it was to affordable social housing) would not be an an option

Does anyone know what benefits I would be entitled to, if anything from the government if I gave up this job? As my disablity isnt a visual one, i am consistantly questioned about it - being made to feel like I am lying & it is very depressing.

Would I be entitled to income support if my partner works?? I don't think I can just live off of standard JSA, despite me feeling unable to continue working for my current employer. I DO NOT want to be on state hand outs forever, and very much enjoy having the opportunity to work when the job is right for my needs; but I am refusing to stay somewhere that is making me further ill.

It is difficult enough getting a job in good health, but it is doubly hard when you are a disabled person. (I acquired deafness around 4/5 years ago so all my previous work experience was reception/office based with high communication skills.) I have always worked since I was 16, and I do not intent to use the benefit system as a way of life - just as support whilst I am (hopefully!) between jobs.

If anyone can advise me of any entitlements, i would be ever so grateful to you. My partner is in full time employment 37 hrs per week on approx £19,000 pa. My partner also pays £300 a month maintenance to his ex wife for their two children, and aside utility bills we have no other major financial commitments.

I apologise for my naivety regarding benefits - it is all new to me.

Thank you in advance. x

Indie_Kid

You can only claim IS if you're a carer or a lone parent.

Are you (ignoring current job) able to do any other job?

kusadasi040667

Hi sorry to read that you are so unwell. Your work have a duty of care which obviously includes desk assements but it also includes wider health and safety type issues doing as much as they possibly can to accomodate your needs. As they are a big company if they have the scope to move you to another floor where you can go to the toilet safely this surely should be happening. You do have some 'protection' under the DEA as you have disabilites (although not everything is covered & if you had these special needs before you started at that company its important that you alerted them of it) Do you have a union because your employers are bound by set procedures & if you cant do your job they must show reasonable efforts have been taken to keep you employed even if its a demotion.If you dont have a union I would suggest speaking to CAB or a solicitor lots offer a free 30 or 60 min app just so you know what your company can or cant do which in turn will give you some confidence.I had a very similar situ in my last job I ended up leaving it was the right outcome for me and I did get compensation as they were unable to transfer me to another position that would accomodate my disabilites & that was within the DWP
As for your benefit without knowing your financial circs (& it would be wrong of me to do so )& you are on ssp at present.Normally it would be non means tested benefits as your wife works but I'm stressing it would be of little use to you me saying oh yes def it would be .... as your wifes details are also included in the workings. The type of benefits that are non means tested are for e.g DLA , the conts part of ESA which has replaced I.B. What I would advice you to do is go on the internet and do a benefit calculation go onto Directgov and you will see benefits adviser service put all your households details into it & it will show what your benefits are likely to be obviously not set in stone. I hope my reply is of some use to you & wish you all the best heres hoping for it all to be resolved in your favour take care K:)

cit_k

If you can get a lawyer to advise you on your rights at work, do it...

Hannah_10

http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1361

This page from ACAS about Health and workplace issues might be of interest.