Health issues and employment

[loub]

Employment and health issues.

I started a new job back in August and I have accrued 12 sick days for various reasons.

The most recent is two week for lower back spasms where I couldn't walk no more then a couple of steps, can't bend  and in considerable amount of pain.

I am due to see a doctor who deals with backs tomorrow as a stop gap between my referral to a back clinic.

I am still struggling to stand or sit for long period of time and still need pain meds.

The doctor may or may not advise me to return to work.

I work in a nursery looking after toddlers and I do feel I'm putting myself and the children at risk, if a child falls over I can't bend to pick them up! 

Also long hours on my feet (10 hour shift) and very physical.

I am concerned they will dismiss me and another employee has just been dismissed on the grounds of her health rather then supporting her, I am left anxious about my return, wondering if I'll make myself worse or if I'll even be supported by management.

Makes me feel like jacking it in. Do I go on some kind of health related benefits even if it's for a short time? 

I don't even know what other job I could do, teaching early years has been my life for 20 years ,

 

Any help or advice appreciated

[unclebulgaria67]

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Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) : Eligibility - GOV.UK

WWW.GOV.UK

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Your Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) - how much you get, eligibility, how to claim SSP, fit notes, disputes.

 

Your post is about 2 issues.

1) Employment rights 

2) Benefits

 

For 1) see about sick pay and also the link below for ACAS.   You could speak to ACAS about your situation.  They will want to understand your employment contact details.  Because of the short length of employment, you don't have many rights.  If you did have sick leave days that caused the employers disciplinary process to be triggered, they could decide to end your employment.  And if your contract states the hours you are paid for,  you really should engage with your employers about your health and try to show your willingness to do whatever is required e.g. Attend work or work from home to complete any admin tasks or other activities you could manage with your back problems. And obtain any health care that is needed to help you recover your back health.

 

Do not resign from your employment.  If you try to claim benefits after voluntarily leaving employment, a DWP Decision Maker could decide to apply a sanction for 3 months, so a basic benefit rate for unemployment is not paid.

 

Work and employment law advice | Acas

WWW.ACAS.ORG.UK

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Free advice on employment law, HR processes and good practice at work. For employees and employers in England, Scotland and Wales.

 

For 2).  Use an online Benefits calculator.  Enter your household information and see what they tell you.

 

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Benefits calculators - GOV.UK

WWW.GOV.UK

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Find out what benefits you could get, how much you could get and how to claim