Off work due to PND, work are stopping sick pay - any advice??

[Anoush]

I have been off work since december, and on 1st June they are ending all pay. I think this is so I go back to work, but it is a struggle just to get up most days and stuff.

Every 4 weeks I have to describe to someone who has no knowledge of how i feel how i am feeling and they ask me when i am going to be back at work. It is very upsetting and i find it hard to convey how i am feeling without crying and i will not let them see me like that.

Anyway, they are now ending my sick pay and I don't think I am ready to go back to work (by doctor does not think i am either) and i am terrified that i wont have any money, my tax credits will stop and everything.

Any advice will be gratefully recieved!!!

Anoush,I am sure you should still be able to claim tax credits/benefits if you are alone or if you and partner or he/she alone earns under £50,000.

I could ask my father and get back to you as he works for citizens advice.

I do believe sick pay stops after 6 months.

Re the important stuff i.e how you are feeling.

If you feel you are not ready to go back then you shouldn't.You need to concentrate on yourself.You still sound in turmoil.Are you receiving any help with regard to how you are feeling?

i had severe pnd after ds1's birth.
i also had carpal tunnel still though.
i told my doc work would only pay for 6 months at a time for each 'ailment' and he kept on alternating my sick notes till i was better. he was very kind and helpful.
maybe see what your doc says?
im not saying you should feighn (sp?) an illness or anything but he has probably come across it before and may have a suggestion?

just an idea. i mentioned my money prob to my doc and he immediately suggested the scam, nodding knowingly as he filled the note out!

btw, i am the queen of doctor's notes and during my preg with ds2, attended all in all about 3 months all together.

Anoush - PND sucks. I've been there.

Unfortunately, most companies only offer 26 weeks paid sick leave. After that, you should get just SSP. I dont think they are doing anything 'wrong' or malicious.

Its standard practice, tbh. Do you want to go back to the same job, in the future? If not, perhaps your doc could sign you off indefinitely as unfit for work and you could claim benefits as appropriate?

thank you everyone, i know its not the wrong thing for work to do.

Anoush - your sick pay is ending because that is probably all you are entitled to from your company.

Your employer has a duty to make 'reasonable adjustments' to your role in order to help you return to work (ie, reduced hours, shorter shifts, different days, alternative duties etc). They should be seeking a medical report (with your consent) from your gp at this stage to enable them to make any adjustments (temp or ongoing) to help you return to work. Good luck