Hypothetically - work/benefits

[Undercoverbanana]

Hypothetical situation - please advise.

My employer decides I am not fit to do my job and never will be and so makes me take forced redundancy. Do they have to pay me anything in those circumstances?

What benefits would I receive as a single person, no dependants, house-sharing?

TIA

Wasn’t good at being a Mum. I let them down as was crap at everything.

My boy is 22 now - he won’t talk me. He’ss 22 and I really love him.

OP, you sound intelligent and thoughtful.

Sometimes in your twenties you sort of release anger from teens, resentment parents weren’t perfect. Your son will be okay. You love him. That’s the most important thing.

Don’t get depressed because of a shitty job you are better than.

You’re a mum and you love your son.

Hi OP,

We're so sorry that you're feeling this way at the moment.

We hope you don't mind, but when these threads are flagged up to us we usually add a link to our Mental Health resources. You can also go to the Samaritans website, or email them on [email protected]. Support from other Mumsnetters is great and we really hope you will be able to take some comfort from your fellow posters, but as other MNers will tell you, it's really a good idea to seek RL help and support as well.

We also like to remind everyone that, although we're awed daily by the astonishing support our members give each other through life's trickier twists and turns, we'd always caution anyone never to give more of themselves to another poster, emotionally or financially, than they can afford to spare.

We are going to move this thread to the Mental Health section shortly.

OP I am sorry that you are feeling this way, please hang in there and try and get some help.

Turn2us as suggested before, will give you a better more accurate picture.

I'm no expert but I would think if you aren't working you would get JSA, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit as a starter - or if you are in a Universal Credit area it would be rolled up into one.

Additionally as you have MH issues, then you should apply for PIP - it is difficult to get but if you get help from a charity / CAB they can help with your application.

Also if you are caring for a disabled relative for 35 hours per week (doesn't necessarily mean with them all that time, it can be shopping for them, organising their admin, paying their bills etc) then you might be able to claim Carers Allowance - it is not a lot - about £62 per week, but again might help and also access other support.

Would I be better off just not ever going back?

Thanks for all the kind words but I really need practical advice. I can’t seem to think straight as my anxiety is terrible and I am drinking all the time to slow me down. Drugs just don’t help.

I think if you just resign it will affect your ability to claim anything so please don’t risk doing that.

Do you work for a big organisation? If so they may have help available to support employees - counselling, advice etc.

IIWY I would try and take the bull by the horns and tell your manager that you are going through a difficult time and need some help. They have a responsibility to look after your wellbeing at work. I realise that is difficult when all you want to do is run away and hide.

Do you have a friend who could go with you to CAB?

My advice would be do not resign. Go to your GP and ask for some help with your mental health issues. Be honest with them.

Don’t think I can go to work. Too drunk.

GP knows all abouttt - got drugs.

I think you should talk to your GP about being signed off sick for a few weeks. Then discuss with them what mental health support they might be able to offer. This would also be helpful if you then decided to apply for ESA - which is paid at a higher rate than JSA. Definitely try and get an appointment at your nearest CAB as they will be able to give you advice on what your options are, including your rights regarding your employer.

ESA is only higher rate if getting support group otherwise it's the same as JSA.

Pressed send too soon! Do try CAB as well as your GP.

I wouldn't bank on redundancy - like a PP said you make a role redundant not a person.

So if unemployed you would be entitled to JSA (if looking for work) or ESA (if signed off by HCP as unfit for work) which is approx. £73 p/wk + HB (paid at appropriate LHA rate or less if Rent is less)...however if in a UC area you would get Standard Allowance (approx. £317 p/month) plus Housing Element (again, LHA rate but will be calc'd using LHA x 52 / 12).

You could also apply for PIP and I'd suggest asking for help to do that (CAB, local Council, local Welfare Rights?). You have to call up for the form so get it done, then enlist someone to help fill it in when it arrives.

With regards to your skills - swimming coach, sports coach (esp. as with academies there are some easements on formal qualifications), look into the charity sector - there can be really unusual (paid!) things in that area, or if you enjoy cleaning and decluttering - what about cleaning? I know we can't ever find decent cleaners (and we pay above NLW and offer school hours!).

Be kind to yourself OP, it's horrible yo dislike your job and feel trapped by it but I'm sure you've got it in you to get back to a happier place.