LPGPS Overturn an IRMP decision?

[Confused149]

Hi,

sorry I may have cross posted this as I’m not sure of the right place to post.

im after some advice if possible? I have multiple chronic conditions including Finromyalgia, chronic fatigue,chronic pain,FND,NEAD.

Ive got a poor sickeness record and been off work since June.

in 2022 my employer forced me to take a demotion from a level 3 TA to a level 2 ad they said I couldn’t safely do the level 3 role due to collapsing from FND.

this year the discussed I’ll health retirement which I agreed to and I provided the IRMP with a letter from my pain consultant in which he advised that I had “tried multiple treatments with no success and he would fully support my application for ill health”

my GP wrote that he agreed with the pain consultant as “she has been very pro active in seeking treatments from multiple disciplines with no success”

my physchologist wrote that “although she enjoys work she finds it difficult but the stress of applying for a new job would have a detrimental impact on her health”

the OH Dr who I spoke to (as part of this process) before the IRMP wrote “for her to return to work there would need to be a substantial improvement in her functional capability”

I also provided a 4 week functional diary which showed my husband helps me to dress, shower, makes the majority of my meals and manages my medication and money.

he acknowledged all of the above but reccomended tier 2 as he said

“it is possible that gradually with time,patience and adjustments including undertaking very low intensity clerical work, working from home, use of support from access to work including various ergonomic measures, evolution of assistive technology including AI support tools may potentially also be of assistance in the coming years.”

his main issue seems to be my age (I’m 37).

the difference in terms of £££ is about £10k per year and due to my husbands earnings I don’t qualify for UC.

Ive provided my employer with all of my evidence and screenshotted from the Cheshire pension fund website where it says they have the final say on tiers but they said they have to go with the IRMP reccomendation.

from what I’ve read the appeals process focusses on if the employer followed the correct process. Is there any way of having someone actually review the IRMP decision?

Your first appeal is to your employer, not the ombudsman. Dealing with your appeal could mean getting a different physician either to review the same evidence, or for further medical reports to be obtained first, then reviewed by the new physician. It would be for your employer to decide on the best way to respond to your appeal.

It is pretty huge that you've had a recommendation for tier 2 at your age. I imagine it will be immensely difficult to find a physician who will be prepared to say that in their professional opinion you won't be able to undertake meaningful work for the next 30 years.

Beat of luck with your appeal.

Thank you, tbh I really don’t want the hassle of an appeal but the difference in money is so much £10k and I only earn £16k so it’s massive for me. Im going to wait for the official quote to come through from the pension fund and decide from there. If I can make it work without the appeal I’ll just do that.