May have a career ending injury. What are my options?

SteveJonesey

I have been in the Fire Service for over 11 years. Earlier this year I was involved in a Road Traffic Accident whilst at work which may have resulted in me having a career ending injury. I have not had the results of an MRI scan yet but it is strongly suspected I have torn cartilage in my hip. I know that my employers will try to end my employment due to capability however as the injury was at work, does this mean I will be able to get my pension early? Will it be a full pension or will it be based on what I have paid in so far? Will I be able to pursue a new career of my choice or will I be limited due to having a pension early due to injury? I am due to see my Union Rep later this week but i could do with some external advice as I've never been in this situation before, I certainly never expected it and I have no idea what to expect. Does anyone have any experience of this they can share with me? Am worried.

jacques_chirac

The pension questions you will need to ask someone that is familiar with the particular scheme.

Is there no chance of redeployment within the service?

SteveJonesey

There have been massive cuts in the Fire Service due to austerity which is only going to get worse. Over half of the day jobs have been made redundant and theyre already looking to sack people on capability

ILW

Speak to your union rep.

harrys_dad

The FBU are an effective union and will be bale to answer all your questions as well as represent you in negotiations. I assume you are a member.

SteveJonesey

Yes I am a member and meeting union rep tomorrow. I'm sure he'll be great and have the answers i need. I'm just really worried and wondering if theres anyone out there who has been in a similar situation

nimbo

I don't know about the pension aspect - but what would you like to do if you were to retrain?

I mean you may not be able to go for astronaut - but what would you like to consider - use that as a staring point, and look into it from there...

I know it is daunting, but try to stay positive if you can...

SteveJonesey

I was a fitness instructor before I joined the service, but obviously thats out of the question with my injury.

I would like to retrain in adult teaching as I have quite a lot of qualifications now. I have no idea if there is any block on me retraining if I have been pensioned out of the Fire Service.