Advice long term sick

[treathowuwant2btreated]

Hi, I'm new here so not sure how to start but here goes..... im a mum to a 9 year old boy and I've been off work long term sick for over a year now. I've had no support from my employer and they've also gone out of their way to make things as difficult as possible including not communicating with me, promising me help and also not advising me my pay was stopping which meant that when I was told to apply for ESA (SSP) I've now been told I am liable for a debt of nearly 1k which I wasn't told about and was as a result of someone not doing their job properly. I'm waiting on various benefits to help and feel at such a loss with it all and don't know where to turn next. (I have severe anxiety and depression and this has been further exacerbated by the lack of support I've received professionally). Where can I turn for help as some days I'm not that strong but I feel like I'm being punished for others not doing their jobs right. Any advice is really appreciated as everything is just so overwhelming at the moment. (I have worked all my life prior to this long term sickness). Sorry if I've gone on a bit, like I said I'm new here and just hoping for some advice or reassurances I'm not failing as a mom.

@StrataZon @OverTheHillAndDownTotherSide

It is considered good HR practice for employers to keep in touch with staff off long term sick, to organise regular meetings to check on their progress and offer support and help to return to work when able.

I didn't realise this - I thought they had to leave you to get better.

At this stage OP would probably be best negotiating a pay off. I don't know they are obliged to keep the job open so long.

Why would they pay her off? She’ll get any contractual notice and accrued leave but they wouldn’t need to pay anything above that.

Hi OP,

sorry to hear you are not well enough for work but you really need to read the attendance management policy as this will set out your responsibilities as an employee whilst absent, as well as the steps the organisation will take.

Where I work there is a standard monthly absence meeting and at each 3 month point a consideration of whether the absence can be supported.

In my organisation we usually consider dismissal BY 6 months, so your employer has been really supportive with 12 months absence. Keep this in mind when highlighting management have not supported you as 12 months is a significant amount of time to support an absence from work.

Based on the information you have provided, the next OH report will ask about your capacity for a return to work - keep this in mind if you would like to still be employed.

What treatment are you undergoing and when will it be finished or enable you to return to work?