DWP - off work sick, case possibly going to decision maker. Advice please

qwerty42

Hi,

Just hoping I can get some advice - will try and keep things brief.

I've been ill for 2 1/2 nears now, myriad of symptoms which I won't go into fully but seen endocrinologists, CFS expert, private consultants on Harley St, had loads of different tests but to no avail at present.

I've been off work now for 6 months and have been informed my case may be going to a decision maker to decide on dismissal.

I don't think I would be eligible for ill health retirement as I'm relatively young? (<30) I don't see how I can say I would never be able to work again as I certainly want to.

I've got 4 pensionable years service.

Trying to get my head around it all. I've moved back in with my parents some months ago in lieu off this possibly happening, but am trying to get my head around potential finances and what happens next.

With that in mind:

a) If it looks like I am going to be pushed, would it be better to walk myself and resign in terms of applying for jobs in the future if I am able to when well again? (got to believe I will be ) Or would this preclude me from obtaining any benefits?

b) In trying to work out finances for the immediate future.. Would I be entitled to the annual bonus payment despite leaving half way through the year? Would I be paid my remaining holidays that I have yet to take?

c) Is there any form of discretionary payment for retiring due to illness, outside of straight 'ill health retirment'? Either in terms of pensionable payment. Also what happens to my pension if I'm in the classic scheme and leave now.

Quite a lot of questions as you can imagine, but some great advice gets dished out on these boards so fingers crossed.

sammyjammy

qwerty42 wrote: »

Hi,


With that in mind:

a) If it looks like I am going to be pushed, would it be better to walk myself and resign in terms of applying for jobs in the future if I am able to when well again? (got to believe I will be ) Or would this preclude me from obtaining any benefits?

b) In trying to work out finances for the immediate future.. Would I be entitled to the annual bonus payment despite leaving half way through the year? Would I be paid my remaining holidays that I have yet to take?

c) Is there any form of discretionary payment for retiring due to illness, outside of straight 'ill health retirment'? Either in terms of pensionable payment. Also what happens to my pension if I'm in the classic scheme and leave now.

Quite a lot of questions as you can imagine, but some great advice gets dished out on these boards so fingers crossed.

Sorry for what you are going through, presumably you've just moved onto half pay?

Do you have good comms with your Line manager or contact? If so then the best thing would be to speak to them. They have a duty to provide you will all the written policy and procedures pertaining to your case in your absence from work. Do you have a union rep supporting you?

In terms of resigning I wouldn't. It sounds unlikey that you'd be fit to claim JSA within the next 6 months but if you did they would consider a sanction if you resign. Let them go thrgouh the necessary process, it may not result in dismissal at all.

Terms for the annual bonus being paid in DWP insofar as it might to relate to you are as follows:

If you leave the Dept before 30th June you are not entitled

and

If you had less than sixty days in post then you will not be awarded a mark

So in other words as long as you worked for a min 60 days in the year 1/4/12 to 31/3/13 and you are not dismissed before 30th June (seems unlikely given the red tape involved) then you should get a year end bonus. Presumably if the above 60 days apply you've been informed of your marking?

Yes you would be due any Annual leave acrrued and this would be paid to you on leaving.

There are compensation payments available although these are considered on an individual basis by the person or persons that are making the decision as to your dismissal.

Best of luck and try not to be to disheartened.

Sam

PS I have PM'd you.

qwerty42

Thank you very much for getting back to me with all that so quickly - I have replied to your PM as well.

I have just gone onto half pay yes but unfortunately only have 2 months of that remaining. This due to having previous time off when I first fell ill 2 1/2 years ago.

My line manager has been fairly supportive yes and we speak on a weekly basis. They have intimated similar to you - to let them go through the necessary process, it may not result in dismissal at all.

I am not actually in the union at present but am on good terms with the rep and hopeful to be able to count on some advice / possibly join at this late stage. I appreciate that is not morally great - I should have joined previously but never got round to it.

Yes hopefully I'd imagine to be in post at the very least by the end of June - given the red tape and I assume a notice period.

I've asked the Q in the PM but I'm wondering where I would stand, if dismissed, on being able to take a lump sum instead of maintaing my pension contributions with MYCSP.

From the guidance I think I could be entitled to 2 weeks pensionable pay per years service, so 8 in total? Not sure if I've got that correct however as the guidance is clear as mud and I'm feeling anything but sharp.

Thanks again