Unable to work due to work related stress- what happens next?

Takeaway_Addict

London50 wrote: »

Sorry but as you have been with the company for less than 2 years they can end your contract with them for any reason they choose. You can thank the goverment for bringing in this ruling.

Wouldn't have made any difference to the OP who has only worked for their company for 9 months

badskindollheart

You need to speak to PCS, if you're a member. You can also make an application to the Civil Service Injury Benefit Scheme, if you can show that your absence is work related stress. A successful CSIBS application will mean your absence is classed as a work related injury and so is not reckon able for absence trigger points.

You need to document exactly what the issues are and share these with your line manager, so that they can help you. If the issue is with your manager, you should speak to a counter signing officer or HR.

Your dept should have a Stress Management policy - try to get hold of a copy. Once they are aware that you are suffering work related stress they need to be looking at the cause and working with you to get you back to work.

Don't go back to work until you are fit - you don't want to be breaking down in tears in the office, or flying off the handle. Additionally, multiple absences will look worse than one longer absence, which you may be able to get dispensation for.

You also need a copy of your sickness procedure, so you understand both your and their responsibilities.

GlasweJen

I can sympathise. I had a breakdown on the train to work 2 weeks ago. We are so understaffed I was redeployed to work on the shop floor full time but my manager also expected me to do all the admin (as the other administrator is off on long term sick - see a pattern?).

On this particular day I was supposed to be working on the shop floor as usual but also had 10+ days worth of essential paperwork to do, plus invoices, a project my manager lumped on me at the last minute (even though he knew I was feeling under pressure as I'd already burst into tears earlier in the week only to be told "oh you just have to learn time management).

I also have a counselling helpline (not through work, I have a medical plan) and I've not even had the courage to phone them. I missed Physio yesterday as the stress of facing people is just getting too much for me.

My GP gave me 21 diazepam tablets on the day it happened and I still have 10 left, just knowing that they are there helps. I've also been put on dosulepin and I don't think it's doing much but that's a long term thing. I have been signed off for 2 weeks and I've to see my GP next week to see how I am before going back. I don't feel ready to go back yet but I'm existing on SSP so I might have no choice.

Long term I need out of the job but I am physically disabled so I'm not sure where I can turn to.

London50

Takeaway_Addict wrote: »

Wouldn't have made any difference to the OP who has only worked for their company for 9 months

I did read that but Poppy9 was stating 1 year ,all I was pointing out was it is 2 years not one :0)

Daisychains

Thank you for the help and advice.

Just as I was starting to feel slightly better I got a phone call from occ health asking me to contact my employers to arrange a meeting with them to discuss how they can help me go back to work.

I said okay because I felt on the spot and I literally can't do it, Im having a huge panic attack and feel dizzy and sick and a really intense headache because I'm worried I will be pressured into sometning too soon.

I do have an email address which I can use to say that I would rather speak to my doctor before agreeing to go in , but is this a bad idea? Should I just ring? I've never felt this ill in my life x

Daisychains

dori2o wrote: »

As a civil servant you should have access to the employee assistance program, from this scheme you can get 6 sessions of counselling. Your manager should have made you aware of this assistance and provided you with the details to contact them on.

I have contacted them twice now and have found them quite helpful. They also sent me an email for the beat the Blues programme which looks fairly good

Daisychains

GlasweJen wrote: »

I can sympathise. I had a breakdown on the train to work 2 weeks ago. We are so understaffed I was redeployed to work on the shop floor full time but my manager also expected me to do all the admin (as the other administrator is off on long term sick - see a pattern?).

On this particular day I was supposed to be working on the shop floor as usual but also had 10+ days worth of essential paperwork to do, plus invoices, a project my manager lumped on me at the last minute (even though he knew I was feeling under pressure as I'd already burst into tears earlier in the week only to be told "oh you just have to learn time management).

I also have a counselling helpline (not through work, I have a medical plan) and I've not even had the courage to phone them. I missed Physio yesterday as the stress of facing people is just getting too much for me.

My GP gave me 21 diazepam tablets on the day it happened and I still have 10 left, just knowing that they are there helps. I've also been put on dosulepin and I don't think it's doing much but that's a long term thing. I have been signed off for 2 weeks and I've to see my GP next week to see how I am before going back. I don't feel ready to go back yet but I'm existing on SSP so I might have no choice.

Long term I need out of the job but I am physically disabled so I'm not sure where I can turn to.

Sorry to hear that I precticslly begged my GP for medication because I hate feeling like this but he was really reluctant. I'm not signed off yet (self cert) but he said to go back on Monday to get a fit note if needed, and to tell work to contact him if they need to know about the situation so that's a weight off my mind. I had started feelkng better today and managed to eat something but now occ health have told me work want me to ring to arrange a meeting and its completely put me back to square one x

GlasweJen

My GP couldn't have been quicker to prescribe them - I didn't even ask for anything!

bargainbetty

Go back to your GP. Explain that your boss is already speaking to you about a staged return to work and that it is causing you more stress. Ask if he would be willing to provide a fitness to work certificate for the week or for two weeks to enable you to access the counselling and get things under control.

Also speak to the GP again about medication. I have taken citalopram for about a year now (it took 2 or 3 weeks to have an impact) and find that it just helps me keep things in perspective when stressed out, which is half the battle for me - small things can stay small.

Email your boss about the in-house support programmes available and explain that you don't feel able to come in this week. Ask if you could have a chat by phone in the first instance, and if there is a occupational health advisor that could help.

Takeaway_Addict

bargainbetty wrote: »

Go back to your GP. Explain that your boss is already speaking to you about a staged return to work and that it is causing you more stress. Ask if he would be willing to provide a fitness to work certificate for the week or for two weeks to enable you to access the counselling and get things under control.

Also speak to the GP again about medication. I have taken citalopram for about a year now (it took 2 or 3 weeks to have an impact) and find that it just helps me keep things in perspective when stressed out, which is half the battle for me - small things can stay small.

Email your boss about the in-house support programmes available and explain that you don't feel able to come in this week. Ask if you could have a chat by phone in the first instance, and if there is a occupational health advisor that could help.

The employer hasn't said this from what I can see...