Leaving job due to stress- what can I claim?

love_lifer

Hope Im posting in the right place. Ive not been in this situation before but I feel unable to continue in my job due to stressors there that are unlikely to change in next 12 months. Im off sick currently and unsure what I will be eligible for if I leave. I am physically and mentally unwell due to it- it's child protection work

A friend suggested ESA. I cannot imagine being able to return to my work.

Any information/advice most gratefully received

Torry_Quine

If your GP is willing to give you fitnotes then you can claim ESA. After about 13 weeks you would be assessed to determine if you are able to continue.

sangie595

love_lifer wrote: »

Hope Im posting in the right place. Ive not been in this situation before but I feel unable to continue in my job due to stressors there that are unlikely to change in next 12 months. Im off sick currently and unsure what I will be eligible for if I leave. I am physically and mentally unwell due to it- it's child protection work

A friend suggested ESA. I cannot imagine being able to return to my work.

Any information/advice most gratefully received

Which means you are in the public sector or public service. In which case you are ill-advised to leave your job. You should stay there until they dismiss if possible. In the first instance, if redeployment is feasible, then they have an obligation to look for it. Secondly, there are often financial benefits to remaining in employment until dismissal. And thirdly, if this is a result of poor management or supervision on the part of the employer, you should get advice first because you may have a claim against them.

Are you in a union?

xylophone

Have you asked for an appointment with occupational health?

Lioness_Twinkletoes

As the cause of your stress is clearly your current job, it appears to follow that getting an alternative job will solve your problem. So, have you been looking?

missbiggles1

As your stress is caused by your current job, one would expect it to improve when/if you leave, so JSA would be the applicable benefit.

TELLIT01

missbiggles1 wrote: »

As your stress is caused by your current job, one would expect it to improve when/if you leave, so JSA would be the applicable benefit.

The OP stated that he/she is physically and mentally unwell due to the stress of the job. Simply leaving will not be a magic bullet to immediately cure all the problems. On that basis it's likely to be a claim to ESA, with the proviso that a medical certificate would be required from the GP.

missbiggles1

TELLIT01 wrote: »

The OP stated that he/she is physically and mentally unwell due to the stress of the job. Simply leaving will not be a magic bullet to immediately cure all the problems. On that basis it's likely to be a claim to ESA, with the proviso that a medical certificate would be required from the GP.

With a possible bit of help from medication it might well solve her situation as it did for me when I took early retirement on the grounds of work related stress/depression. If you're ill because of one particular problem, remove that problem and there's a good chance your health will improve rapidly.

densol_2

I have some links that may assist regarding work stress

Mersey_2

Stress is a recognised condition - which means you could claim SSP or your employer's sick pay.


It's for you to decide whether you're leaving as a direct result of this (caused by your employer).


No-one can know if you would qualify for ESA long-term (rather than JSA).


As others have said merely a change of workplace may resolve this; or it could be more of a deep problem.

love_lifer

Thanks for all the comments.

yes Im public sector and in a union, who advised occupational health interview and request redeployment on grounds of ill health

I requested an occupational health referral in June. Im still waiting.

The situation at work is unrelentingly awful and no improvements imminent. New boss estimated 12-18 months before things improve. Im being cagey here because so many people have 'disappeared' in the past 8 months as well as left and been off sick. Im scared I'll be recognised.

Yes I want to leave because of the stress and its effect on me- Im on medication. Ive been in the profession more than 25 years and this situation is truly the worst Ive experienced. I reluctantly accepted a sick note when I realised it was pretty much killing me

densol- i sympathise completely and thank you for your comments, really helpful. I am dismayed to be in this position but I am.