Hi all, Still having problems with work and trying to get my job back. Im still employed, currently on gardening leave pending reports on my knee from Occupational health. Im having major issues with the process. I've been off some time, my operations didn't go to plan,and had subsequent corrective surgery and steroid injections. I've finally been given the 'all clear' but occupational health have said Im not fit to do my old role. I have a letter from the surgeon stating he would put not restrictions on my return to work, I also have a 'fit to work' note from my GP. My work involves a lot of standing, but the occupational health person said I have to be sat most of my shift and cant pick up anything over 10kg. Its patently wrong, but as she has a medical qualification, they're going with her assessment. I've spoken to my union guy, who said 'Well, you've have had a good run on the sick, so you should be happy they haven't got rid of you before now' I feel as though things are slipping out of my grip, even though I've presented much information to contradict the Occy healths assessment, they gave me a 'figure' last week of what I'd receive if they did 'medically retire' me. Its a well paid job and its kind of hit me like a ton of bricks, to finally find out I'm well and my employer is offering exit packages. I had cancer prior to this and came back within three months of radio therapy so I'd not lose my job, now I feel like just giving up and crawling under a rock.

Im currently being treated through the NHS for a meniscus repair . So far I've had 2 operations, steroid injections,gel injections and hours of physio. Luckily, I have a protected payments scheme through my employer which means, now the sick pay has ran out, I get a substance payment through the pension scheme. Im currently looking at a termination due to sick time off. I'm caught in a catch 22, the NHS wont sign me off till the knee stops swelling, my employer wont allow me back till I'm 100%. There's no other jobs to be had which can accommodate me and I will only be able to do my old role which is 12 hour shifts, stood all shift. Ive spoken with my Union and my rep said she deals wit this all the time, people lose their jobs through the NHS and long waiting lists. I'm just wondering if this is factually correct ,as I have a full time position, an exemplary sick record prior to this and through no fault of my own I'm looking at being on the dole with a dodgy knee. I feel panicked as I cannot plan for my future due to everyone else making decisions for me beyond my control. Is it just a case of 'tough' or am I being given bad information. No termination process h as begun, but my rep has stated 'they'll be looking to get rid of you ,if they haven't written you off already, due to your sick record' I feel completely helpless and broke