Hi
Asking for a family member but it is worrying them alot.
Basically 6 years ago he had a really bad workplace injury which caused permanent damage to his back and nerves. He had to take a long time off sick and eventually went back undertaking a different role due to medical advice that his back could no long cope with the duties required of him. He is on ongoing treatment and this will be for life.
His medical experts strongly recommend for him to not work. He is 3 years from retirement but financially has to work. This is why he had to get back to work, as they have a mortgage and bills. However his back is worse than ever and his Chiropractor is concerned how his work is making his back so bad. He says its like they are taking 1 step forward and 10 steps back with treatment.
Yesterday he was called to a meeting and told his role was being downgraded as they dont feel it is worthy of the salary. Of course this really offended him as he works very hard and always has for them, and the only reason he has to do the job he is now is because of their breaches in safety which resulted in his injury. He will lose around 5,000 a year which will mean the household will not be able to meet their already cut back outgoings. They also have the opinion that he has no problem with his back. I can only imagine how insulted he felt by this. I have seen for myself the pain he is in. Often his back will lock and he cannot move for hours. His legs spasm. He looks visibly in pain all the time so for them to have the opinion he is no longer in any pain has really got to him.
Are they allowed to do this? All his Doctors are putting in writing their recommendations, all say he should not be working. But he cannot afford to take a pay cut or retire early.
Does anyone have any advice please?