Been off sick now for 2 months! Worried I will lose my job

EmmaAbby

Hi all I'm a newbie here!

My problem is I suffer from IBS and I have been off work for over 2 months now. I have been at my work since Jan 2015. Love my job but have since been off ill and really suffering!
My manager is putting alot of pressure on me to come back to work and she really don't understand how much pain i'm in. I've done all I can to keep her onside with: phone calls to her to keep her informed, medical notes sent to her, blood tests, drs apps etc...

I'm scared she will sack me and tbh I wouldn't blame her but I can't physically work the way I'm feeling! She said she is in contacted with Occupational Health....

What will happen next?!

thx

tomtontom

They may have a sickness absence policy detailing the steps they will take in cases of long term absence - you can ask for a copy.

Your short employment does mean that they can dismiss without following a long and drawn out process, so yes, dismissal is quite likely. Are there any adjustments they could make to help you return? Do you have any idea of when you may be fit for work?

EmmaAbby

Thanks for ur help at the moment I'm to unwell to return and feel my manager is putting under pressure to return and it's making me feel worse! She don't care how ill I am just get in to work half dead for all she cares?!

kittygirl20

Sorry but she has a business to run and can get rid of you at anytime.

Sorry about your condition and I don't mean to sound harsh. Did you mention this condition at the point of applying?

tomtontom

It's not that she doesn't care, it is that you are employed to do a job and for the past two months you've not been able to do it - meaning she's had to reallocate that work elsewhere. Put yourself in her position, what would you do if someone with only six months service went on long term sick?

IronWolf

Occupational health will employ their own Dr to assess you, when I was off work for months I had to go in and meet them when I was able and they just asked me questions about what was wrong and what I was doing about it. It was actually very helpful because they gave me a kick up the backside and said my GP wasn't doing enough and I should be referred to a hospital consultant, which I did and they were then able to diagnose me properly.

Sorry your boss is annoying, mine was very understanding, I would be tempted just to ignore them, if you're Ill then you're Ill and there's nothing that can be done. I did a lot of progressive muscle relaxation at home using YouTube video s to help reduce stress and worry when I was ill. If you're a member of a union then maybe contact them to ask how to handle your boss!

[Deleted User]

What's the worst that can happen if you are let go?

I'd carry on and follow the process through and let them make the decision (or they could offer some help of maybe working part time? a different role for a while, we could have this all wrong) but least then, worst case, you can be off, recooperating without the hassle of work making you feel all the more guilty, pent up like you are now, which can't be helping

Always other jobs out there - I have my latest in 2 weeks of looking and even got 3 weeks before starting, wishing you well x

pmd123

Deleted%20User wrote: »

What's the worst that can happen if you are let go?

As per another post on the first page, you get a bad reference and struggle to find another job.

OP - difficult situation, what are the prospects of you being able to return to work in the foreseeable future? Would it be viable for you to discuss with your manager a mutually agreeable end to your employment perhaps with a small severance payment and a good reference based on your employment prior to the illness flaring up?

EmmaAbby

Thank you so much all for ur lovely comments and helpful ones at that. I have been out of a job for 3 years and took me ages to get this one. I'm part time cleaner and I work in a local school.
I want to stay in my job not leave but I feel that my very very high anxiety makes my stomach play up even worse! I've told my doctor about it and he says and does nothing just gives me some tablets to ease the pain. They don't work and he DON'T listen. I give up I feel I want to end my life

patchwork_cat

OK not to do with your employment, but http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2478549/Could-taking-vitamin-D-pill-help-ease-pain-irritable-bowel.html. It has helped me as has Bimuno,

tomtontom

EmmaAbby wrote: »

Thank you so much all for ur lovely comments and helpful ones at that. I have been out of a job for 3 years and took me ages to get this one. I'm part time cleaner and I work in a local school.
I want to stay in my job not leave but I feel that my very very high anxiety makes my stomach play up even worse! I've told my doctor about it and he says and does nothing just gives me some tablets to ease the pain. They don't work and he DON'T listen. I give up I feel I want to end my life

I'm no doctor, but what you've said about anxiety making tummy problems worse is certainly true - would it be worth getting some help with the anxiety? You could ask about CBT via the doctor, or for self help there are lots of resources online or at the library.