worried about the future..

sha-ronlush

Hi I am being made redundant on Monday 31st March, I have worked in my current job for nearly 12 years at 20 hours a week.
I suffer with lupus and sjorgrens and various other auto immune conditions. I take medication which keeps me fairly ok most of the time but have flares sometimes which aren't nice to cope with.
I will obviously sign on for job seekers allowance but am worried about a new job and my health issues if you know what I mean.
I feel I will be at a disadvantage before I start if they ask lots of health questions and knowing the amount of people that go after one job am wondering what chance I will have.
I would prefer to work but am feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all, anyone in the same position? thanks.

ryanmcn

I can't speak much about your health issues to be honest, but I was made redundant over a year ago after being in my full time job for over 6 years.

I got a decent payoff which helped during the job searching phase, and I ended up taking a lower paying job. Just keep your head up and keep looking. Different employers will likely look at the health issues in different ways (really depends on the kind of work you are looking for I guess).

All I can say really is things will turn out ok and don't give up looking for work. I was in a bad place when I found out about my redundancy so I know what that part feels like. Think of it as a new start

I hope things work out.

rogerblack

On the legal aspects.
Firstly, consider if you may be eligible for PIP.
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/benefits_e/benefits_sick_or_disabled_people_and_carers_ew/benefits_personal_independence_payment_e/benefits_the_pip_assessment_e/pip_activities_descriptors_and_points.htm

Secondly, the equality act means that employers cannot discriminate on the basis of disability, and they have to make 'reasonable adjustments' to your work if those would allow you to still perform the job.

Thirdly - you need to ask for an applintment with the disability employment officer at JSA - in order to make sure that your JSA agreement is not inappropriate.
You will normally not be able to refuse jobs that are 40 hours a week, for example.

sha-ronlush

Thank you rogerblack, I wasn't aware there was a disability employment officer at the job centre, will signing on with them then lead on to all the help that is available to me?

zagfles

rogerblack wrote: »

Secondly, the equality act means that employers cannot discriminate on the basis of disability, and they have to make 'reasonable adjustments' to your work if those would allow you to still perform the job.

Yes, as well as the legal aspect, these days most big companies are heavily into CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and try to achieve benchmarks and awards, so you may find that you disability isn't that much of a disadvantage in getting a job (in some cases it could even be an advantage!).

Good luck!

maddoglady

Totally in the same position, actually no..never had a proper job because I'm good enough for the role but so many others also are without my health baggage. And I'm getting older with no work experience, so sorry got nothing to say to help.