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Date: 29.10.2013
From: Sandy

Subject: work

I've just had a phone call from my H.R dept at work ... i have been off work for 9 weeks now and my dr has just given me another sick note for 8 weeks (runs out on 16th Dec) .... they want to send their own dr out to assess me ...I have no problem with this as I've got nothing to hide .. but I am concerned that I could lose my job ... at the moment Im not capable of doing it but I want it to be my choice not theirs ...does amyone know how I stand ? x
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Date: 29.10.2013
From: marlene

Subject: Re: work

Hi Sandy, you haven't said what you do at work. Are you having a flare up or being diagnosed.
As you say you have nothing to hide.
HR have a duty to you and they have to make sure that you will be fit and well to continue your work. I am sure they will treat you fairly as in this day and age they have to make allowances for disabilities. It is all very worrying I know but try not to stress. They may suggest less hours or a lighter job. You could always call The Citizens Advice Bureau as to your rights.
Take care and chin up xx
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Date: 29.10.2013
From: bsk

Subject: Re: work

I told by a friend, who gives union support to people off sick, that the key thing is to sound keen to get back to work and positive about your situation. I think Marlene's suggestion to phone CAB or a local law centre, if you have one, for advice is a good one. I would also google as much info about it as you can.
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Date: 29.10.2013
From: rhona

Subject: Re: work

I know when my daughter had been off for a while they wrote to her doctor for a report and then they asked if there is anything they could do to assist her to get back, less hours etc. I think a lot depends on the company you work for but they probably could eventually say they would get someone else to do the job if you didn't know when you were going back but hopefully not at this stage. like the others have said best check it out.
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Date: 29.10.2013
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: work

hi Sandy , it varies from which company & the amount of employees they have , talk to a union rep if you have one or CAB , would push your rheumy clinic as well & tell them you are worried about your job & if there is anything they can do ie: meds & maybe get a OT to see if there is anything they can help with

hope you start to fell better soon
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Date: 29.10.2013
From: Sandy

Subject: Re: work

Hi all - thanks for your comments - I'm just worried that what ever I do will be wrong ... I don't want to give in to the RA and lose my independence but at the same time I'm not sure if I will ever be able to go back .. I've had it for nearly 11 years now and as I've said in a previous post - the rituximab is no longer working for me and I'm waiting to go on another drug which they gave me a choice of three .. I rang the hospital today as I had to get back to them within three weeks and also the steroid jab just isn't working. I work in audiology so dealing with little hearing aids is nigh on impossible also I have to sit at a desk on a computer and phone for 8 hours a day which at the moment is a total impossibility - I cant even sit on my sofa for more than half an hour without having to get up and try and move around because its so painful ! .. my husband doesn't want me to go back - he says I'm just being daft even considering it - I am on DLA but it isn't enough to live on - I have made myself go to work even when I've been in agony - the bills still need paying ! I've looked up ESA on the internet but apparently I would have to claim sick pay for 28 weeks before I apply for it - and this is totally unfair on my work mates and really goes against what I think is morally right - or leave my job on health grounds - and then there's no guarantees I will get it ... also on the other hand - what if they assess me as fit for work when I know in my heart that I'm not (I honestly feel so ill) I'm just so mixed up - I just don't know what to do .... sorry for the long post - I'm just writing what's running round and round in my brain
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Date: 29.10.2013
From: bsk

Subject: Re: work

It's a complex situation you are in, Sandy. I wouldn't prejudge the outcome of the appointment but just wait and see what happens and how your health goes. It may well fall into place.

I still think you should go and talk over your options with the CAB but it's not your responsibility to worry about your work colleagues when you are ill (though very decent of you.) It's up to your employer to find cover and you are entitled to your sick pay. It's also worth exploring whether you could work part time in another capacity. I would keep your feelings to yourself when you are being examined by the doctor and make your decision based on their response. You need to think of your own situation.
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Date: 30.10.2013
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: work

Hi Sandy , if you get the mobility part of DLA you would get into the ESA Support Group & that is around £107 a week , having to get up & move around is normal for RA but understand you still prefer to work if you can

the problem with all the biologics is you wont know if they are going to work & if they do for how long , talk to your bosses & see what they say but think you going to need some time until you are fit to work , I was in the same position six months after developing RA & not worked since & that was sept 1996
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Date: 30.10.2013
From: Sandy

Subject: Re: work

Hi - I get high rate mobility and middle rate care I was assessed by a Dr 3 years ago when I had to appeal the DLA decision - I have just got it again till 2016 starting from November - so the powers that be agree that I'm disabled ... Colin can I ask - do you know if I've read the info correctly that I will have to wait 28 weeks on sick pay ? (its all so ambiguously worded on the internet) ..Also did you have any issues claiming ?.. I cant get through to our CAB on the phone and I'm not up to getting to the office at the moment ... My work pattern is 5 days full time and 5 days off - this was ok before as I had 5 days to rest but I know there's no way I can work 5 days on at the moment and there isn't an alternative to lower my hours - my issue is if I go back and then find I really cant manage (which is what I think will happen) .. I will have to start all over again ...it feels like we are all in a no win situation as we have no idea if the drugs will work and for how long ...
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Date: 31.10.2013
From: Tracey

Subject: Re: work

Hi Sandy, do u work in the nhs? I've been off my work now for 13 weeks and have app at gp 2moro to get another line. I've just recently been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. On methotrexate but not working prob b starting sulfazalizine in 3 weeks then onto biological if no improvement. I have no idea when I will be back to work. I'm a nurse in nhs had a meeting today with boss and HR.
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Date: 02.11.2013
From: Sandy

Subject: Re: work

Hi Tracey - no ,I work for a large private company whos attitude seems to be either come back to work or hand your notice in so that we can employ someone else for your hours .... I hope your meeting with .H.R went well and you've managed to come to some sort of arrangement to help you ... its hard enough with illness without the stress of work hanging over you as well isn't it ? If you get a chance please let me know what has been suggested so that maybe I can go to my meeting with a few ideas ! Thanks x
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Date: 02.11.2013
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: work

Hi Sandy , they cant do that , if you have problems talk to CAB or someone that knows the employment law , tell them you will claim unfair dismisal

how long you worked for that company ,
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Date: 02.11.2013
From: SandySandy

Subject: Re: work

Hi Colin ... Ive now spoken to H.R twice and Im not holding out much hope for my meeting ... the person I spoke to actually said that "she knew a lot of people with arthritis who were still working" my response to this was "really , and are any of them registered as disabled ?" she then mentioned the costings to the company of training a new person or putting in changes for me ... and could I reassure them that if changes were made that this wouldn't happen again ...I asked in the same vein could she guarantee that she wouldnt become ill !..Ive worked there for nearly 11 years .... to be honest Ive decided to try not to worry too much about it until I get a date for the meeting - my husband seems to think that it may be a blessing in disguise if they find me unfit to return ... Ive contacted a solicitor and theyve told me that I can refuse the meeting if I wanted or take a representative with me but as I said before - Ive got nothing to hide and Ive got sick notes how can they dispute that ?? the law is on my side ! to be honest the way I feeel at the moment Im doubtful that I will go back anyway both due to my health and their attitude I think the atmosphere would be unbearable !
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Date: 02.11.2013
From: Chris

Subject: Re: work

Sounds like they are a pain in the arse.
I'd consider recording your calls and meetings with them.
Keep your powder dry, let them make the mistakes.

"she knew a lot of people with arthritis who were still working"
This is just an idiotic generalisation.

You should take a union rep with you to any meetings, when they cock up with you, you'll be able to act on it, in a professional manner that they are lacking.
Contact your local union, i'm sure they will be more than happy to help you - this is their job.

All the best,
Chris
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Date: 02.11.2013
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: work

Sandy , I was a union rep for few years & endded up managing the foundry where I worked , at one point we had about 50 people working in there but that was a long time ago , the company had Permanent Health Insurance which is a Income Protection but very few companies have it

having been there 11 years it will cost them to get rid of you & to get you to resign will be a lot easier for them , most good companies should have 6 or 9 months pay on sick leave so try to find out what there sickness benifits are , agree with Chris & get your meetings recorded or have someone with you , pleased you got some professional advice
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Date: 02.11.2013
From: Sandy

Subject: Re: work

Thanks Chris + Colin .... I think I will take advice and take somebody with me ... the solicitor also told me that as Im registered disabled I can also request that the meeting be held at my own home ... that may well be the way I go...as for sick pay - even after nearly 11 years all Ive had is 1 month full pay, 1month half pay and now just stat sick pay
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Date: 09.11.2013
From: Tracey

Subject: Re: work

Hi sandy, just seen your reply sorry. Meeting went ok not really much that can be done at moment. Got another 9 week line that takes me to 1st week in jan. Another meeting being arranged for 1st week In jan n will probably be referred to occupational health. I've always took my union rep with me just they know wot they are talking about. In nhs u get 6 maths full pay and then 6 mths half pay.
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