Do I resign or get fired?

Belair

I am on long term sick and have seen Occupational Health doctors twice in the last 2 years. Outcome is, I am not capable for work, adjustments canot be made and I am unlikely to be fir for work within the next 3-6 months.

As I have been off sick for nearly two years, it was suggested that I could either resign or let my company fire me. The company has done all in their power to help me, but, it's time to go.

I am currently in receipt of ESA, which would be better, for me to resign or to let them fire me?

If it makes any difference I am in Northern Ireland.

bobajob_1966

In terms of your benefit entitlement, it would not make a difference as you will still be entitled to ESA. Personally, I would resign (and agree a good reference), as this means you can avoid any 'have you ever been dismissed due to ill health' type questions (although such questions might verge on unlawful since the Equality Act).

Lady_gaga

quitting a job is seldom the best course of action, regardless of which benefit your currently receiving.

Muttleythefrog

Was in similar situation myself. I suppose I would decide based on future intention... if you intend to work again in future then as per bobajob. I got them to dismiss me as unfit for work because at the time I thought that might do me no harm when facing a WCA for ESA... at medical I stated 'the NHS has dismissed me as unfit for work and here is the letter'... whether that had any impact I don't know..lol. I think given you wouldn't be sanctioned regarding ESA regardless.. then chances are the bobajob route is going to be best... try to give your employers an easy way out of the situation for the price of a good reference.

McKneff

I agree with Lady GaGa, it's usually a bad idea to resign from a job through ill health.

Let them dismiss you and then just get on with it.

Either way, a new employer is going to ask why you left your last job.

Hope things get better for you soon.

Emmzi

ask the company if there is an ill health retiral option? sometimes there is a small lump sum - but not every company has it.

spiff

My wife is in the same predicament but only been off for 6 mths yet so still a bit away from having to make a decision yet however I can see the decision looming at some time. Is there a possibility you could be pensioned off on ill health grounds? ie are you in a co pension scheme? are you in a union? they would offer good advice is so?

Molly41

having been through the same situation I was advised that it was best to let the company fire you on the grounds of ill health. In the end i was retired so might be worth looking at if your condition is permanent.

dseventy

Its *always* better to be fired rather than resign.

If for no other reason that you may be able to negiotate a exit agreement that includes a reference agreement.

D70

puddy

why would her reference be affected by how she leaves the company?

i would have thought it was worse to get fired myself (in terms of future employment)

dseventy

puddy wrote: »

why would her reference be affected by how she leaves the company?

Because if she was resigned it may say :

The OP handed in her notice and had her contract terminated due to sickness absence, we followed company procedures for absence management and terminated her contract of employment. She had x days of absence on y occasions.

A reference negiotated or the OP has input to, may say :

The OP has struggled with her illness during her employment with us. We tried to adapt the workplace for her illness but were unable to due to business needs. We talked through the options and agreed together it would be better if we parted ways. The OP was a valued member of the team we wish the OP well with any future role, she has a lot to offer.


See the difference? Same outcome and same facts, just a different spin on it.

D70