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Original poster

Losing job / new home owner

15 replies

Papayalady · 08/08/2018 21:20

Hello
I've been put in a position at work whereby I'm having to resign as a result of ongoing mental health issues. I'm aware of the legalities involved so that's not my question. since my health has been steadily improving in the last 5-6 months I decided to grab the opportunity to a buy small property I fell for - for the first time in my life I was in a position to buy (I'm an older buyer). However, I had no idea my job was on the line. There was no hint of any serious concern from my employer. If I'd known, I wouldn't have gone ahead and bought.
I need to now address the issue of sourcing an income as a single person paying a mortgage, but without ending up in a stressful/ damaging job. Any ideas out there Confused ? Anyone else had gone through this and come out the other end (reasonably) unscathed? Cheers xx

OP posts:
Cl0udsandtr33s · 09/08/2018 13:03

Sorry that you are in this position. You will not receive housing benefit if in UK if you own your own property. I believe the rules changed recently, if not working you can apply for a Govermnent loan to help pay mortgage. Apply for job seekers allowance or Universal credit immediately, the people at the office will advise you

Cl0udsandtr33s · 09/08/2018 13:07

You would be better NOT resigning from your job. Can you take holiday or unpaid leave from your job. What can your employer does to help you remain at work. Have you been to your GP, have you taken sick leave ?

LIZS · 09/08/2018 13:19

If you can wait it out while you are managed out on ill health rather than resign you may be better off long term. Can you be referred to occupational health for example. Some benefit entitlements will be affected by resigning and it will buy you time to look for another job. Do you have space for a lodger?

Original poster
Papayalady · 09/08/2018 13:34

Thank you for all of your suggestions...a few points I should have mentioned:

  • As a small business they're no longer supporting me, or making reasonal adjustments are required by the Equalities Act. They're not happy with my performance at work, hence being put in a position where I need to decide between leaving or staying but being set targets.
  • The Occupational Health consultant my employer hired produced a report which seems to have been virtually ignored. So that was a dead end.
  • This has been going on since April, and it's been totally exhausting. My burnout is a result of a breakdown last year which I can't recover from properly as I need to work. I've had to work my way through to keep a roof over my head, and so relapse is very possible.

It's a tricky situation. Small businesses don't have the capacity to handle mental health issues, but I'm protected by the law. However, if I stayed I'd be under pressure to perform better which would make my health worse. It might be buy more time to sort something else out, but to be honest I'm unwell again at the moment as a result of pressure. Job hunting on top of a full time job wouldn't really the best idea.

OP posts:
HipHopTheHippieToTheHipHipHop · 09/08/2018 15:39

OP that’s awful for you. It’s catch 22 that you need to take a real break from work to get better so that you can perform in your job, but need to work to pay the bills so can’t take the time off.

I can’t offer much help, but staying at work and ending up being put on a PIP and getting managed out will be incredibally stressful and will spur the relationships you have with your colleagues.

Orangesandlemons82 · 09/08/2018 15:53

A few years ago I had problems with my mental health which impacted my work. Work were really unsupportive and in the end I managed to negotiate that they would make me redundant and give me a payout as they were keen for me to go! Is that an option at all? Then you would be able to at least claim jobseekers aloowao etc. Also if your mental health problems are severe you may be able to claim PIP which would provide some money every 4 weeks.

TerfsUp · 09/08/2018 15:56

No advice, OP, but you have my sympathy. I hope things soon turn around for you.

Original poster
Papayalady · 09/08/2018 15:56

Thanks again, yes it's totally catch 22. It's been horrendous - the worst thing I've every had to endure and would wish it on no one. I'm coming out the other end and I don't qualify for PIP or many other benefits.

Well, redundancy is an option. I'll look into that.

OP posts:
LeftRightCentre · 09/08/2018 15:59

Just a little warning, if you are in a Universal Credit area, the last thing you want to do is resign from your job Sad. I'd try to look at any other options first, even finding another job.

LeftRightCentre · 09/08/2018 16:00

It's very hard to qualify for PIP. Utter shit, actually Sad.

shoelaces · 09/08/2018 16:01

I understand where you are coming from and the need to take time to recover. I have physical disabilities and found no difference between large and small businesses with their approach to not providing reasonable adjustments. I have a great union who I've retained through 5 different job losses. All couched in redundancy but all discriminatory. I also understand the inability and unwillingness to keep fighting for a job they will never let you keep.

I kept on going through tough times because I have a sizeable mortgage to pay. My union rep managed to negotiate settlements that cut my mortgage by 1/3. Keep fighting for what is right. It will buy you time to recover and move forward. Best of luck Thanks

TrippingTheVelvet · 09/08/2018 19:10

Are they ignoring the reasonable adjustments or saying they can't accommodate them? RA are changes that an employee needs to manage in the workplace. The employer might not be able to implement them which is allowed as long as they can show that it is detrimental to the business. In that case they can legally end your contract. If they are able to and not, then get on to the Equality and Human Rights Commission instead of the union. Small businesses are a nightmare to deal with though.

Isleepinahedgefund · 10/08/2018 17:40

Hi OP, have a look at the Remploy website, they can offer you support for your MH in relation to your working, I’ve used them, they were great.

I definitely wouldn’t resign either. Your employer sound like they are forcing you out by not making any adjustments and ignoring your needs. I know you feel defeated but don’t leave without a fuss - at least try and get some money from them to tide you over.

Original poster
Papayalady · 17/08/2018 19:43

Hi all
Thanks so much for your input! But sorry to hear about others who've had to go through this crap as well.
I've actually had a decline in mental and physical health as a result of all of this, so I decided to join a union and get a rep to deal with it. The advice wasn't great and apparently although I've been told by other employment law experts that I have a strong case, the rep said I don't! I think it really depends on who you speak to, and my case is tricky as it's not that clear whether I'm considered disabled/ covered by the Equality Act. That would make a difference.
For peace of mind and my health, moving on is the best option. I've relapsed twice due to the workload and pressure in the last 10 months, so I'm ready to move on and from what has felt like a very bad dream Shock

OP posts:
fiorentina · 18/08/2018 12:51

Sorry it’s so stressful. Can you take on a lodger to help pay your mortgage, do you have any skills/hobbies that could be useful and that you can utilise in a freelance basis, although working freelance can cause different stresses as you try and maintain an income. Hope it works out.

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