Need some UC advice

[stoptheridenow]

I’m a solo parent after leaving my H - long story short - he was living a double life which unfolded and we (me and the two kids) eventually left the family home as he wouldn’t. Lots of control mentally and financially.. but I got out! Fast forward 3 years and we are doing OK.. I’ve managed to hold down a part time remote job for the past 15 years whilst raising the kids and most recently gone through a company merger, it’s been brutal. I do get some UC on top of my wage and it’s what’s kept us afloat and I’m so grateful. We ended up in social housing and were very fortunate to have been helped out with this by the local council. All in all life has been going Ok post split - there were times whilst living in temporary accommodation I thought we’d never get back on our feet, but we did and I’m super proud of us all for doing so. Now the fun part - my job is totally unsustainable. I’m working 2 days over 4 but mostly I’ve been working full time/over my hours and I’ve completely burned out. The new structure has been announced this week and my job has been minimised and title stripped from manager to lead (I’m the only one who’s been given a complete job title overhaul) the shiny stuff which adds measurable value to the business which I’ve built up over years of hard work has been shifted to another department presumably to keep others in a job and looking good. In a nutshell I’m thinking it’s time for me to go.. the new quickly drafted job description is a joke and combines two roles into my one with no mention of pay increase or revaluation of my hours. I know this isn’t manageable and feel I’m at a crossroads with what I should do next. My question is - if I leave / resign without another job right now could this impact my UC? Should I be looking to get another job lined up beforehand? I literally can’t open my laptop I’m just done 😩 I know I can get another job - hopefully with some flexibility but it needs to work around the boys and I have no family support - this is all on me. I need to be realistic but taking a step back before I completely crash and burn seems like the best option but I’m worried about finances. Any advice would be so helpful 🙏

I would not leave before having something lined up

you need to try and find a way to distance yourself to avoid burning out / even making the decision to leave should make that easier

You mention the past 15 years of raising a family, how old are your children?

They are now 13&14 - both have Autism. one is in a special needs school and has had some issues with school refusal lately but we are working on it.

Do either of the children receive DLA?

Re your job - speak to ACAS. Also your union, if you are in one.
It may be possible to ask for a review of your role, but only after taking external advice, and once you are clear about what you want your role to look like. Reinstate some or all of the best bits of your role, pay to reflect that, more hours, or whatever.
Otherwise, just do the minimum without drawing attention to that, and get drafting your CV.

@BaronessEllarawrosaurusyes one does - didn’t apply for the other.

You could be sanctioned for giving up paid work unless you have carers element

@stoptheridenow in that case you have an excuse to finish work, your child needs extra assistance (which you have already stated he does) and you are having to support more. A new job would be best because surving solely on uc is tough but it would give you the breathing space and you can deal with the school refusal better and hopefully get to the bottom of it.

I need to work because I have never not worked - I just need to find the right fit around the children. It’s tricky as I can’t rely on other people to pitch in on school runs and my eldest is not in school all of the time and can’t be left alone either. It all feels quite overwhelming right now 🥹 he’s really struggling socially with anxiety and I’m his go to person. It all feels such a mess.

You will get penalised if you give up your job if UC thinks you don't have a good reason.

If you receive middle rate DLA for your child and are reported on UC as his carer (You'll see the carer element on your statement). You will be able to leave your job without them asking any questions.

If you aren't receiving the carers element of UC you will likely be investigated and very possibly sanctioned for leaving your role voluntarily.

Thank you this is helpful to know, I do receive the carers element on my UC.

It sounds like a stressful situation. Is there any possibility of voluntary redundancy or negotiating a settlement agreement to leave your job? Neither of these options are penalised by UC - though the payout will be counted as capital.

Doubtful as contracts are being drafted and issued next week. If anything it’s borderline constructive dismissal. I’m not feeling so hopeless today - it is what it is I guess. I seem to have lost all motivation for even trying to find a workable solution.

The Carer element should turn off any Work Related Requirements. Similarly that would mean you should not be sanctioned or given any other penalty if your caring responsibilities mean what work you had previously managed ceases to be viable.

Settlements can be utilised where there are performance issues, and to avoid employers going through the formal performance management and capability process - it is often easier and preferable for them to use this route.
Perhaps contact your line manager and ask to discuss the possibility of an agreement? It will ensure you receive a good reference for future employment, and means your ability to claim UC will not be affected.