Resign or go through the absence procedure to be dismissed

OneBIGHeadache

Hi, I hope someone can give me advice.

I've been with my current employers for over a year now but the last two months I have been signed off with anxiety. My hours were cut in March by half as the lady I was covering returned from maternity and we were to do a job share. I wasn't happy about it and thought see how it goes. I found myself still doing all the work whilst she did not very much and I raised the issue with the manager. She used excuses that things had changed new system which I had tried to go through with her but she just walked off saying she needed the toilet and didn't come back til she was due to finish.

It all came to ahead when I had enough. Just found myself crying at my desk drowning in work. I took a couple of days off sick phoned the manager to explain who replied that doesn't help me, you going off sick. When I returned and spoke to the manager and told him I didn't like his response when I called in sick, he said he didn't recall speaking to me. I went through my other concerns doing a full time job on part time hours, and he dismissed everything I said. I went to the doctors who signed me off for two weeks. I then was signed off for a further two weeks.

I had another meeting with the manager during that time who said when I was ready to return he would put me in another department answering calls. I flipped saying I wasn't interested and wanted to go back to what I was doing either with extra hours or support. He didn't want to put me back to the position that made me anxious. And had already found my replacement and working full time.

I was signed off for a further month as it can take a while for the tablets to take effect. Dr wanted to make sure that I could relax and give myself some breathing space. In that time I met up with HR who supported the manager decision. I requested training and was willing to go to another site for that training.

I added two weeks annual leave to the end if my absence and I have been back in work for a week. I walked out mid shift as it getting too much and returned the following day to speak to the manager who said it was juvenile of me to walk out. I told him it was his fault that I was suffering from anxiety as he won't listen to me and dismisses everything I say. Which he replied I was vindictive and spiteful but honest. Nothing was resolved and I have not been back since. I've not got the training I requested and felt that I was being put under more stress trying to cope with customers queries. I've emailed the manager each day to say I won't be in as I can't talk to him. I'm trying to get an appointment with the Dr.

I've spoken to the union who have said get another sick note and we'll put a grievance in. But not sure what this will achieve.

I have received a letter requesting that they can arrange a meeting with Occ Health. Only there was no form for me to authorise. I've requested another one. I suspect they want to see if I am able to work or have grounds to dismiss me.

I tried to go back to work this morning but turned back as soon as I saw the site. I just started to panick. Questions from work mates and probably another awful discussion with manager and sat in a department I have no interest in working in.

So do I resign? I have no other job to go to but I am applying for everything and anything. I also worry about my absence record and what future employers will think. This is the first time I've been off sick but it's a long sickness with me coming back and then going off again.

It's just a mess. I just need some advice please.

Thanks

HappyMJ

No need to resign. You will get SSP until you find a new job. If you resign you may not get JSA and even if you do you will have to meet the conditions of that benefit which means looking for work all day and signing on at the jobcentre every week or two. As you don't have a job you will no longer display your symptoms so probably wouldn't get ESA.

Yes they need a second opinion of another doctor so do attend that appointment and they should confirm your GP's diagnosis.

So...my advice keep getting the fit notes from your GP and look for a new job. When you get a new job do a few trial days and if you can cope with the new job then resign from this one. You may have to explain to the new employer you have anxiety/stress but you feel it's work related and you need to start gradually. Problem is if you resign first then start the new job and find you can't cope then you've lost your SSP so that's why I'd do a few trial days (unpaid).

Undervalued

It is virtually never in your best interest to resign in these circumstances. Sit tight and let the firm make all the moves. Respond as slowly as is reasonably possible to any requests they make. Send the firm occasional updates that don't really say anything useful such as "I saw my doctor today and he wants to see me again in two weeks" (or whatever is the case but do make sure anything you say is true)!

Apart from anything else you are still accruing paid holiday all the time you remain on the staff. They will have to pay you for this after you leave.