Work related mental health issues
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many thanks again for your replies
Its given me lots of food for thought0 -
Many thanks for your replies
Although I work for a large company I am not in a trade union and the company do not recognise them or have anything to do with them.
I suspect that when they say that it is merely to actively discourage unionisation.
There is absolutely nothing stopping you from joining a union related to your sector, as unions generally help EVERYONE who works in certain sectors. If you google "union + [your sector]" it should come up with one. Just costs a few quid a month...
I joined one when working in a previous min wage job, but primarily because they initially refused to pay me company (or statuary) sick pay because the doctor had ticked the "may be fit for work" box + they hadn't offered me a meeting to discuss it = reverts to "not fit for work". The plebs admitted that they had only read the fit note AFTER I HAD RETURNED TO WORK! I can take a lot of rubbish in work, but not anything which is related to my money. They thankfully sorted it but not until I threatened them with a solicitor (though in truth I rung two no-win-no-fee solicitors up and they both didn't want to pick it up!).
In truth, I joined more for the advice they could give in situations which may be like yours. I don't know if, given my ex employer didn't officially recognise it, I could have asked the rep to attend a disciplinary with me but I assume so (with a lot of hassle attached to it).
There's nothing stopping you from calling or emailing a union which is related to your field. As others have said, they may not help you because you aren't a paying member (somewhat undermines the likes of me who DOES pay) but they may actually give you some advice! A lot of union reps seem to be a bit more selfless than your average person and may be willing to help.
Certainly consider joining one in the future though...
Start planning your exit then. What are your interests? Got any specialised skills? Got any capital (money)? Potentially one thing you could do is start up your own business, like a caf! or something but you'd have to put in some hard graft to be fair (there may be funding schemes too if you can submit a business proposal etc).My doctor has asked me if I am in the right job which after some soul searching I have had to admit they were right and the job is now not for me.
Ultimately, I would just milk this place for as much as you can and get some sort of exit strategy planned out. Maybe even try and find a local service/charity which gives job tips (the job centre is one such place).
I would also finally have a think about the manner of your exit and the impact that might have on a claim for benefits. Ideally, you want it such that you aren't penalised.0 -
I agree. As Les says,I suspect that when they say that it is merely to actively discourage unionisation.
And if it ever comes to a disciplinary meeting (not the investigation, the meeting AFTER that), then they cannot refuse you having an accredited union rep with you.There is absolutely nothing stopping you from joining a union related to your sector, as unions generally help EVERYONE who works in certain sectors. If you google "union + [your sector]" it should come up with one. Just costs a few quid a month...They thankfully sorted it but not until I threatened them with a solicitor (though in truth I rung two no-win-no-fee solicitors up and they both didn't want to pick it up!).
In truth, I joined more for the advice they could give in situations which may be like yours. I don't know if, given my ex employer didn't officially recognise it, I could have asked the rep to attend a disciplinary with me but I assume so (with a lot of hassle attached to it).
There's nothing stopping you from calling or emailing a union which is related to your field. As others have said, they may not help you because you aren't a paying member (somewhat undermines the likes of me who DOES pay) but they may actually give you some advice! A lot of union reps seem to be a bit more selfless than your average person and may be willing to help.
Certainly consider joining one in the future though...
Start planning your exit then. What are your interests? Got any specialised skills? Got any capital (money)? Potentially one thing you could do is start up your own business, like a caf! or something but you'd have to put in some hard graft to be fair (there may be funding schemes too if you can submit a business proposal etc).
Ultimately, I would just milk this place for as much as you can and get some sort of exit strategy planned out. Maybe even try and find a local service/charity which gives job tips (the job centre is one such place).
I would also finally have a think about the manner of your exit and the impact that might have on a claim for benefits. Ideally, you want it such that you aren't penalised.
Ah, but as you realise, they didn't know that ...They thankfully sorted it but not until I threatened them with a solicitor (though in truth I rung two no-win-no-fee solicitors up and they both didn't want to pick it up!).
I once had to write a letter which finished "If you insist on pursuing this course of action I shall consult my union." I don't think they knew I was in a union at the time, and they backed down pdq - mine is generally a very good employer and this was, I felt, a one-off.
But it felt very empowering to be able to write that!
My advice to anyone who's been suffering from stress would be to be very very cautious in setting up their own business. It's likely to be extremely hard graft - and catering, I'd say, more than most! - and stressful. With no-one to pass that stress on to.Potentially one thing you could do is start up your own business, like a caf! or something but you'd have to put in some hard graft to be fair (there may be funding schemes too if you can submit a business proposal etc).Signature removed for peace of mind0 -
Hiya
I was off work with related stress and depression for 18m. I too realised that the time had come to get out of my field, it was absolutely crucifying me
i attended occupational health and had counselling which was invaluable, and helped me work out it was time to go- not just from a truly awful job but also a draining profession.
I was on a redeployment register but nothing suited. I was dismissed on health grounds and honestly it was the best thing that could have happened. It took me a while longer to get back to feeling ok, but once I did I set up my own business and have never looked back. Im 53 so no spring chicken
I must emphasise that I had to hit rock bottom, take meds and then start recovering before I could look at what next. Im guessing youre not in any fit state to plan your next move so if you can, sit back and look after yourself. The book 'sunbathing in the rain' by gwyneth lewis helped me so much, I'd urge anyone who is struggling to see the light to read it
Sending you very best wishes0 -
Ah, but as you realise, they didn't know that ...
I once had to write a letter which finished "If you insist on pursuing this course of action I shall consult my union." I don't think they knew I was in a union at the time, and they backed down pdq - mine is generally a very good employer and this was, I felt, a one-off.
But it felt very empowering to be able to write that!
Indeed, I think the calls to the solicitors made me realise that nobody really cares about fairness ASIDE FROM potentially the unions. Hence immediately joining. It is quite funny how much mentioning union membership !!!!!! (what has happened to the swear filter?) up certain bosses though, as per your example!
Totally agree!My advice to anyone who's been suffering from stress would be to be very very cautious in setting up their own business. It's likely to be extremely hard graft - and catering, I'd say, more than most! - and stressful. With no-one to pass that stress on to.
I just randomly picked a caf! (it keeps automatically putting the accent on the "e" here which is odd!) because I went to one today and they make a fair amount of business. Seems like one of the easier businesses to get into, in my opinion, if you pick the right location.
But business is a hard graft and may not be suited for someone with mental health issues. I just sort of suspect that the MH issues are due to work and that there's a fair chance that OP would be better "running out the clock" on their own time.0 -
I have to admit I have been in the same or similar boat. I didn't realise how bad I have been till I got better. I used to worry nearly 24/7 and had hardly any sleep, had headaches, which couldn't be stopped by painkillers and really bad indigestion - constant feeling sick, living an heartburn tablets and feeling the constant tightness in my stomach.It eased after few weeks being off work and when medication for my stress started working. My managers were good when I came back, but we have wellbeing services at work and higher managers have to be training hoe to deal with people with stress/anxiety problems. I started to apply for a jobs, I am considering post I wouldn't apply before.It has been easier at work since I am back - I don"t tend to wind up myself like I used to, although I have sometimes stressful days. I fulfill my responsibilities and go extra mile sometimes, but I am more assertive, when I see, that duties, which should be done by colleagues on higher positions are being assigned to me.
You can look around - what is available for your profession. I am considering the jobs I wouldn't apply before - I work in office setting, but applied for a jobs that involve traveling to customers.
I hope you will get better soon. Use the time you are off to do what you enjoy doing. I was taking long walks, de-cluttered my flat and tried new cooking recipes.0 -
Hi guys . I’m also looking for advice as I’m really unsure of what to do. I currently work a 12 hour contract as I am at university however I often do extra shifts when I can. Recently I have been really struggling with not only stress but anxiety about my studies and it’s now affecting my personal life. I am really on edge all the time and I have been given a sick line and medication from my doctor as a result. I have received a letter through the door now my sick line is coming to an end which says I do not meet the requirements of Statuary sick pay due to my 12 hour contact and my ‘average’ earnings. This is now making me stress out even more as I have just got my sick line extended which means I will not receive a wage for over a month! Is there anyway that I can claim this money back? I have received a SSP1 form but not sure what to do with it because my work had not informed me until late notice that I would not get paid. Any help will be greatly appreciated0
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You will probably get more relevant replies if you post this question again in the benefits part of the forum.
If your question about claiming money back relates to any benefits you can get instead of SSP, this will be complicated because you are a student.
Are you a full time student?All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.
Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.0 -
Sorry to hear of your situation.
With anything in life, it might not be possible. For me, medication should be the last option.0
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