In a company the size of ours they should ensure they have checked local units as well as as your own to ensure there are no opportunities for you to redeploy into. It should be a last resort for you to have to take IHR of either kind when there are tasks such as R.P and collection points that you could be deployed to. Don’t forget that depending on where you live there’s also the option of MC’s you don’t have to stay within your function if they follow the process correctly.
I hope it all works out well for you …
First of all, not sure what went wrong, but had to reregister to get access to the account! Hence the greengiant1 username. I did try requesting a new password, but not sure what went wrong.
Symptoms are improving somewhat. While my walking isn’t great, I should be able to a driving shift delivering packets, rather than a walking shift doing mail. That’s my only real option, as any other redeployment seems to be unavailable due to “reasons” (such as who you know, or if your face fits…)
Of course there are a couple of flies in the ointment potentially.
Depending on the outcome of my next cervical spine scan, to check on the state of my herniated discs at c5/c6, surgery may be required if they have deterioated. I can’t see my employer being happy if I need to take time off again to recover from major spinal surgery .
Or if it is MS or Functional Neurological Disorder I do eventually get diagnosed with, then I may need to inform DVLA, which could mean I need to stop driving.
While I’ve been kept busy for the past couple of months due to election material, I still fear that IHR may be on the cards soon… Especially as it’ll be a year come the end of July since onset of symptoms.
With regards to driving, yes you would have to inform DVLA if MS and probably if FND. However if you are safe to drive then they wouldn’t stop you driving. You just have to renew your driving licence at more frequent intervals. If you are not safe to drive then you shouldn’t be driving anyway! So no need to fear them removing your license vexatiously.
As with all government departments you do have to approach them with a degree of caution and understand their procedures, but luckily the DVLA staff don’t have to meet targets removing a certain number of people off the road (unlike the DWP and PIP who are driven by targets to remove people from disability benefits, and will twist words, ignore things, write untruths to try to meet their targets)!
Hope you continue to make progress with your walking.
My symptoms are still improving slightly. With regards to work, the aim is for me to start on to parcel deliveries from the van, rather than a walking postal delivery.
Fingers crossed this will all work out, as I’ve found out house needs new roof thankfully getting funded via additional funds on mortgage.
As far as I know, the disability pension is a disability benefit paid to people with different degrees of disability. To receive disability money, you have to undergo medical and social expertise every year. Many people with different diagnoses can get this benefit. Do you mean that kind of pension, or do you mean that you are allowed to retire early because of your illness? Are you taking some expensive pills? My father now takes diuretics, stomach pills, and this drug in powder NICLOSAMIDE Powder | 99% Lab Grade Purity - Niclosam.
Just thought I’d update this thread. I was able to get a redeployment to working indoors in the customer service point. So Ill Health Retirement isn’t likely at the moment. (Unless they decide to reduce staffing levels, then it may be on the cards again).
My employer offers two forms of Ill Health Retirement. As a lump sum, and as a lump sum but with early access to Pension. The second form is pretty difficult to claim, as you are only eligible for the Pension part if you are unable to work in any capacity in any line of work ever again.
Whereas the standard lump sump type of Ill Health Retirement is relatively easy to claim, you just need to be unable to do your contracted usual job, and no scope for reasonable adjustments / redeployments.
Of course, always best to consult with employee union / employment law solicitor with regards to medical / ill health retirement.
Hope it works out for you. It is difficult to know what we can achieve and work is about more than money. I was lucky that I was already retired before diagnosis. Looking back some jobs would have been more doable than others. Strangely some benefits claimed before you reach 66 carry on after but are not available to new claimants. Those on the motability scheme keep their car and are able to carry on changing them.
You are doing the right thing when you leave work. There is nothing more important than health. I understand that you will miss work and friends because you are used to it. Still, neurological problems can lead to bad consequences, so retirement is the best solution for you. Maybe hire a caregiver. My grandfather was recently diagnosed with dementia, and I hired a caregiver from https://homecareassistance.com/palm-beach, who has also been my friend for several years. The main thing when you retire is to find some hobby for yourself so that you don’t get bored living.
The lump sum may appear easier and attractive, I calculated that my lump sum would keep me fed for 7 years. Luckily I managed to get access to my pension and 12 years on I am pleased with my decision. This is NOT advice, I am just describing my experience with my particular circumstances.
Good luck
Mick
In my case, I am not wanting to go down the line of ill health retirement, especially since I am still in the diagnosis limbo zone.
Depending on what my eventual diagnosis is, (neurologists are now heading down the “something genetic” path rather than something “Functional”) then it may be more financially viable to accept ill health retirement, especially if it is something which would be covered by my mortgage critical illness policy.