WWYD- can't continue working as I am

[marriednotdead]

Back story, I'll try to keep it to the point. In normal times I work in a busy retail environment and am on my feet all day which used to be fine.
Just before the pandemic, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia which can be classified as a disability. Was on furlough for many months which enabled me to rest.

Went back in September 2020, work was a lot quieter and consequently I coped ok. Had a hospital procedure last April which caused more issues and I have only returned to work this month after a major op to resolve it at the end of September.

I'm currently on a phased return and doing 2 of my usual 4 days. I'm supposed to be increasing it to 3 from next week and then back to 4 days in March but I'm just not up to it and cannot see myself ever being well enough to work at the pace I used to, especially not with the commuting and shift work. I'm knackered.
To add to the misery, I've got another bloody frozen shoulder. I worked through the last one a few years ago but I know I can't do that again, I used to often be in tears at work back then and my sensitivity to pain is far higher now.

I'm desperately trying to find a new part time desk based job as near to home as possible but am torn in the meantime.

I see my short term options as

1. Asking for a longer phased return which the company will give me as long as the GP supports it. I'm not currently getting paid for any hours I don't do.

1. Get signed off sick again. I'd be on SSP.
2. Resign and hope I get another job soon.

My issue with all the options is that it would look bad to a potential new employer. I want to explain that I can work, it's just not viable to carry on with my current job! WFH not an option.

Any suggestions/opinions gratefully received.

Can you ask to reduce your hours to two days a week permanently at your current company? That won't be a big deal to any new employer and will take the pressure off for the meanwhile.

It’s something I wanted to avoid but I may have to if I can’t find another job soon.

I don’t work Sundays but we have a new manager who is likely to use any change of contract to push that.

I'd go for a longer phased return and plan to find something else soon or see if you can reduce the hours permanently while you are at that job. Neither of these should affect your reference or future prospects negatively and it's a lot better than leaving without something to go to.

Or ask to permanently reduce days to a level you can cope with.

A longer phased return or sick leave shouldn't be mentioned on any reference.

Option 2 looks like it would be counterproductive (bearing in mind you don’t want to put off other employers). A combination of a longer phased return and looking for more suitable work sounds sensible, this should include asking for a permanent reduction in hours where you are.

Thanks all. I really didn't want to go off sick again so the point about not putting off future employers means ditching that option.

I want to be out of there by Easter. It's not just the physical aspect of the job, travelling adds 2 hours to each working day.

I'm now thinking that I'll get another phased return note- is there a time limit on how long you can do that for does anyone know?

I'll have to ask for a change in contracted hours if I go beyond that point.

Is it a big enough company to have a head office and if so, is that nearby.

Is there a closer branch to you? Transfers can and do happen in retail.

Are there tasks you're better able to fill for the time being while you return? Till work for example until you feel stronger?

@Twizbe

Is it a big enough company to have a head office and if so, is that nearby.

Is there a closer branch to you? Transfers can and do happen in retail.

Are there tasks you're better able to fill for the time being while you return? Till work for example until you feel stronger?

I'm working at the nearest branch, HO is in another town.

Am doing the lightest physical work possible (whilst still pulling my weight), till work would be harder as no place to sit and rest for 5 minutes if need be.
Honestly thought I'd be there indefinitely but I just can't