Signed off sick, next move?

Rosetta_2

I have been signed off sick with depression, my working life has contributed to this.

It is bullying but hard to say xyz has happened. I could tell managers but it is a their word against mine, as no witnesses.

I have been off work for just over a month, the thought of returning to this poisonous atmosphere makes my stomach churn. I have many years service with my organisation. I am asking for advice on the following either

Look for a new post whilst off sick
Resign, look for a new post
Await and see what happens, my company has a 6 months full pay sick leave policy
If I could not return to work then I am assuming they can dismiss me on sickness grounds.
Can I get any kind of benefit at all, I have never claimed for anything so have no idea.


Any thoughts gratefully received as I am struggling to think straight.

partner

Hi sorry to hear you not feeling well. I would use their six months paid sick leave to try and get well. You are not in the right frame of mind to look fo a new job. Put yourself first. I speak from experience.take care. Xx

tanith

You say its your word against the bullies, have you reported the bullying to HR or your line manager? Work related stress/depression should be investigated and those involved questioned.. you really ought not to give in without a fight.. I know its hard but do you have a union at your place of work they would help you.

AllSpent

I would wait and see how you feel after the alloted time off. Use this time to heal your mind, and refocus; whether that's just doing the things you enjoy, getting some counselling, catching-up with friends, etc. It depends how bad your depression is, of course.

I had a similar scenario a couple of years back. Being away from the environment for a two months greatly helped, as well as my GP who was very supportive.

I wouldn't make any hasty decisions. Your employer would need to demonstrate incapability, which is a lengthy process; they need to give you enough time to improve, make adjustments for you, etc. Employers tend to be cautious, as they don't like leaving themselves open to Employment Tribunal redress.

I would start rethinking your employment there only when you're ready to. This is very different to denying any problem (which clearly you haven't) it's simply not allowing the current situation interfere with your time away to recover form the stressors. If you think it's a done deal that you want to get out, begin the process of what other jobs may interest you, or consider retraining, or even redeploying within the company if that's at all possible.

Good luck, and get well soon.

paadzer

Do not resign as being umemployed is not nice. You could look for a new job while you're off but never say anything negative about why you're looking for a new job as that may put employers off so just say that you're looking for a new challenge.

flashnazia

Are you ready to look for other work? If so you should do this as being at home can dent your confidence and make it harder for you to get back to work.

Waiting for work to dismiss you won't help you feel better either. Just because you have 6 month sick pay does not mean they won't start capability proceedings before that.

cockaleekee

I agree about not looking for work until you are ready, but be careful taking six months off sick - the chances of you getting further employment with that on your employment record are very low.

Tiddlywinks

You do really need to raise the issue with your manager / Occy Health / union rep.

Being off on sick leave will give you a break from one of the triggers but, ultimately, as you get nearer to the time your doctor suggests returning to work then the more you will again feel the stress because nothing in work will have changed.

The only way the work environment can be changed for you is to have the underlying issue of bullying brought out into the open. If your managers don't know then they can't help.

Your employer has a duty of care to provide a safe environment for its employees and that includes to protect you from bullying.

Rosetta_2

I did mention that we had an argument, it is not the only reason I have depression two of my relatives are seriously ill.This had stretched me and then the argument and following silent treatment tipped me over.

I do work for a huge organisation so possible chance of redeployment it is generally not an easy place to work. Lots of political machinations going on behind the scenes. It is worse than a school yard. I know other colleagues loathe the atmosphere and another colleague is now on meds for anxiety due to workload. I think in the current climate those of us lucky enough to have a job are often put on. I have had colleagues leave due to atmosphere. It is hard to put your finger on though as not overt.

Thanks for all your replies, I will keep coming back to them when comtemplating. I do think it is too early to make an absolute decision but I do think its very helpful getting other opinions.

Tiddlywinks

Why not raise it with your manager or Occy Health? What's preventing you?

The sooner you engage, the sooner they can start working on a solution.

I'm sorry to hear about your family members - it is hard when you have pressures from all sides - all the more reason to try to tackle those things that can possibly be improved upon.

tygr

cockaleekee wrote: »

I agree about not looking for work until you are ready, but be careful taking six months off sick - the chances of you getting further employment with that on your employment record are very low.

Can I just say that this is totally untrue and scaremongering won't help someone with depression.

I had six months off sick in 2010 due to anxiety and depression, which was partially due to work related stress. I have since had a temporary and a permanent job with well respected employers and my sickness record is now exemplary. Yes, some employers will require a full medical disclosure but others don't ask. If your condition is enduring, you will also be covered under the Disability Discrimination Act.

If you're unwell, you're unwell. Take the time you need to get better.