What to do now? Re-Esa

thebaileys

Hello,

I am hoping someone can help me please.

I have been suffering from servere back pain since last November, which has seen very little improvement.

my 13 weeks of ESA ended yesterday, I attended a medical last tuesday with ATOS.

I spoke to the Benefits Delivery Centre this morning and was advised I had a low score, and had not qualified.

I am not suprised reading other people's experiences. I actually said to the doctor I wanted to go back to work, but I was trying to work out my hours with occupational health.

Currently I do two 8 hour shifts and two 5 hour shifts. Due to the pain, I am trying to get work to agree to me going back and doing 5 shifts of 4-5 hours.

I work in a call centre, so I am sitting down all of the time, which is when my pain is at its worst.

I really want to get back to work as soon as I can, I have started looking at other jobs, but I am worried that my sickness record of being off for 10 months will put prospective employers off.

I have worked for the same company for 10 years.

In the meantime is there anything I can claim, as I don't qualify for ESA?

Many Thanks

Indie_Kid

You can appeal. However, I'm confused because you're doing 26 hours per week.

dmg24

You can appeal the ESA decision, and you will be able to claim the assessment rate during the appeal process. However by your own admission you are fit for work, you just need adaptations and/ or a different role. Given what you have said, I would apply for JSA and ask to see a Disability Employment Advisor.

thebaileys

sh1305 wrote: »

You can appeal. However, I'm confused because you're doing 26 hours per week.

Sorry, I think my post is slightly confusing. Up until november I was working 24 hours a week.

I have been on the sick since then, however I am still classed as employed, but not actually getting any pay.

Thanks

thebaileys

dmg24 wrote: »

You can appeal the ESA decision, and you will be able to claim the assessment rate during the appeal process. However by your own admission you are fit for work, you just need adaptations and/ or a different role. Given what you have said, I would apply for JSA and ask to see a Disability Employment Advisor.

Hi,

My employer cannot give me any other role within the company as its all office based, sitting down.

The lady on ESA helpline said I couldn't claim JSA, as I was still employed.

Thanks

McKneff

Is your doctor doing anything about your back pain. Do yu know what is causing it.

I had this problem quite a number of years ago, it went on for months and months.

The GP sent me to the hospital for an injection and this worked absolutely instantly. I have had no pain since.
I did ask what the problem had been and was told just general wear and tear.

Have another word with your GP

dmg24

thebaileys wrote: »

Hi,

My employer cannot give me any other role within the company as its all office based, sitting down.

The lady on ESA helpline said I couldn't claim JSA, as I was still employed.

Thanks

But you are capable of work. If there is no prospect of you returning to your current role, you need to seek something else.

Edit: They are correct, you cannot claim whilst still employed.

thebaileys

McKneff wrote: »

Is your doctor doing anything about your back pain. Do yu know what is causing it.

I had this problem quite a number of years ago, it went on for months and months.

The GP sent me to the hospital for an injection and this worked absolutely instantly. I have had no pain since.
I did ask what the problem had been and was told just general wear and tear.

Have another word with your GP

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

It is disc damage. I have been for 2 lots of physio, and given painkillers but it is not getting any better.

I am going back to the GP in the next few weeks, so I will ask about the injection, Im willing to try anything if it will help me get back to work.

Thanks Again

Sam____2

Your work can make reasonable adjustments for your condition, like a special chair and foot rest, extra comfort brakes etc so you can get up and walk for a few minuted to ease your back...

thebaileys

dmg24 wrote: »

But you are capable of work. If there is no prospect of you returning to your current role, you need to seek something else.

Edit: They are correct, you cannot claim whilst still employed.

Thanks for your reply,

So if my employer doesn't agree to the change in hours its looking likeI will have to hand my notice in.

Something which I would hate to do, having been there 10 years, but it might be my only option.

As I say, I am looking into other jobs, I just have the worry of this long term sickness on my record.

Thanks

dmg24

thebaileys wrote: »

Thanks for your reply,

So if my employer doesn't agree to the change in hours its looking likeI will have to hand my notice in.

Something which I would hate to do, having been there 10 years, but it might be my only option.

As I say, I am looking into other jobs, I just have the worry of this long term sickness on my record.

Thanks

I can understand your reluctance to resign, but if you have exhausted all options I would also question the value of being 'employed' in a role that you cannot return to.

If you ask to see a DEA at the JCP they can refer you to a Pathways provider. This is an organisation who help those with health conditions back to work. They tend to know of which employers will be supportive, and may even be able to arrange a trial without affecting your benefits.