CanI just quit and receive benefits?

boydE

I feel depressed and extremely stressed out, Im at the point of boiling over and I do not want this to happen, I will probably have a stroke/heart attack if i carry on.
short description, same job 22 years, i am a manager in a very small company, the directors jut do not seem to care, i have no respect from members of staff,it seems the senior managers support the staff more than me, I get back chat every time I ask them to do things, why cant you do it etc....
I had 2 staff, 1 has gone into another department with ill health, the other one has no complained they can't do any heavy work, so that lumbars me with the heavy work, I dont mind heavy work but i have other things to do.
I really do think I am heading for a breakdown if this carrys on, i dont even have support off my wife, we can't afford to lose money etc,,,which i understand, but i am better off alive than dead surely, this is the way i feel.
so what can i do? i cant sleep, im stressed, its just a matter of time before i either explode and do something i regret or end up in hospital.
My blood pressure is back on the rise again, on medication for that.

Uncertain

First of all make an appointment to see your doctor and tell him / her exactly how you feel. Don't hold anything back. It may help to print out a copy of the post you have just written and show it to the doctor. I know it is not easy but the doctor can only help you properly if you let them and are fully aware of the extent of the problem.

Obviously it is his or her medical judgement but I would imagine he will put you off sick which will at least give you a little breathing space.

GPs do have a significant amount of training and experience with the types of problem you describe as it is more common that you may imagine.

To answer your first question "Can I just quit and receive benefits?".......

Not without some medical evidence and support. If you simply resign you will almost certainly be sanctioned for JSA for up to six months. However if you can show clear medical advice that it was best to leave for your health the sanction can be waived. As I say, initially (assuming your doctor agrees) take some sick leave and go from there.

boydE

Thanks for the reply, i do get full pay pay for 3 months, not that i have ever abused the sickness benefit, think i have 1 day off this year, perhaps seeing the doctor might be the best option, thanks.

Emmzi

You don't say if you have been looking for a new job? That sounds like a better route all round.

BitterAndTwisted

How about tackling some of the issues head-on? If you've lost a member of staff, are they going to replace them? This person who claims they are no longer able to do this "heavy work": is there a genuine adn documented health reason for this or do they just not fancy doing it any longer? If the latter they should be replaced. If you have other things to do other than just taking on this "heavy work" then the burden should not just be shouldered by you alone: get upper management involved in the solution. That's what they're supposed to be there for. What do you suppose they would do if you got signed-off sick for a week or two?

The other poster was right: if you resign you could be sanctioned by the JobCentre for up to six months, so I would advise you to not even consider doing that unless you had absolutely no other choice. If you think your wife is unsupportive now, just wait until you're not bringing in any income whatsoever. Meanwhile keep your eyes peeled for another post.

ohreally

Make an appt. with your GP asp.

Inform your employer of the situation, asap, ensuring an electronic paper trail is generated. The employer can't be held to account if the claim ignorance.

anniecave

Have you asked for a proper meeting with whoever your immediate manager or managers are? Make a list of the current problems. Ask for their help in trying to improve the situation.

Your attitude when at work can also help a lot. Try to think positively and think how you can improve any situation within your control. Why do you get no respect from the members of staff? Do you understand why? Is it just some, or all of them? Do you understand their points of view?

I share an office with 2 other people. When I first worked there, one of the other people was a girl who seemed to really struggle with her working relationships with certain people. She'd get frustrated. She felt people weren't listening to her. She'd get annoyed. Eventually she left out of frustration and annoyance.

While she was there, I found it hard to keep a positive attitude.

The new person who works where the girl used to sit, is doing a totally different job. He has a totally different attitude. He gets on with his job, and we all make an effort to help each other out where possible.

I find my job a lot easier as a result, as it's a positive working environment.

You won't be able to solve all the problems at work. But if you have a positive attitude it can help.

Have a browse on the internet for some self-help on depression and stress. A lot of it relates to how in control of a situation you feel. And how you react.

I hope things improve for you...

boydE

anniecave wrote: »

Have you asked for a proper meeting with whoever your immediate manager or managers are? Make a list of the current problems. Ask for their help in trying to improve the situation.

I have meetings but i end up with more work, make lists but the bosses don't want to know

Your attitude when at work can also help a lot. Try to think positively and think how you can improve any situation within your control. Why do you get no respect from the members of staff? Do you understand why? Is it just some, or all of them? Do you understand their points of

Yes, this person in question has 2 jobs, works lots of hours and is a good worker and has complained she can't lift the heavy stuff, as far as i am concerned she needs to leave if she cant handle the work, sounds horrible but this has put me in an akward situation, i also get a load of back chat, ie why cant you do it etc..(i like the person but they no respect, i would never back chat.
don;t get ny real hassle of anyone else.

I share an office with 2 other people. When I first worked there, one of the other people was a girl who seemed to really struggle with her working relationships with certain people. She'd get frustrated. She felt people weren't listening to her. She'd get annoyed. Eventually she left out of frustration and annoyance.

While she was there, I found it hard to keep a positive attitude.

The new person who works where the girl used to sit, is doing a totally different job. He has a totally different attitude. He gets on with his job, and we all make an effort to help each other out where possible.

I find my job a lot easier as a result, as it's a positive working environment.

You won't be able to solve all the problems at work. But if you have a positive attitude it can help.

Have a browse on the internet for some self-help on depression and stress. A lot of it relates to how in control of a situation you feel. And how you react.

I hope things improve for you...

Thanks, i know what you say is true but unfortunately not everything is black and white,.

Hezzawithkids

I agree with Uncertain - if you resign I think you might find that you can't claim JSA or other benefits, so first port of call will be your doctor for sure.

Chin up - hope it works out for you.