Dismissal?! What does my future hold?!

webbo1981 · 1 October 2012 at 12:45PM

Hi all

I have been working at the same company I am at now since September 2001. I have had various roles throughout the company and currently my position is a Design Engineering one.
Unfortunately since Feb 28th this year I have been off ill. I was diagnosed pretty early with OCD and GAD along with depression. Mid August my company said if I hadnt returned to the company by end of August or resigned then they are going to dismiss me with a months pay. As the end of August got closer I wrote to my employer stating I want fit just yet for work but am aiming to get better. Last week they sent me to a company doctor miles away from where I live and after a long discussion suggests I have Bipolar. Hes writing to my employer to explain this but I am worried what will happen now.
Will my employer sack me? I feel riddled with guilt and slightly have accepted I may not work again short term but since working from 17 and now 31 all this is new to me
Please help if u can

Uncertain · 1 October 2012 at 12:54PM

Whatever you do, do not resign unless it is in exchange for a compromise agreement for which you have to receive legal advice.

For a whole number of reasons you are better off letting the firm make all the moves. You should co-operate but as slowly as is reasonably possible. Even if not getting sick pay holiday continues to accrue all the time you remain employed and during any notice period.

Are you a member of a union or professional association? If so contact them for legal advice. Otherwise your house insurance may well provide legal cover and a help line.

Having said all that the firm may well be able to terminate your employment on capability (i.e medical) grounds providing they follow proper process. Some companies will go down the compromise agreement route as it protects them from any possible claim.

pinkshoes · 1 October 2012 at 1:27PM

Could you not be a self employed design engineer? Lots of work going paid at £30/hour in the South East!

agrinnall · 1 October 2012 at 7:25PM

I certainly wouldn't accept any company doctor telling you that you're bipolar, he won't know your full medical history, you should be relying on what your own GP, and any specialist that you are referred to, says. I would be inclined to tell your GP this and if he doesn't agree he may want you to make a complaint about the company doctor.