I have been a civil servant for over 20 years. Am returning to work after my first ever absence (unfortunately a very long one) . OH have advised, by way of a reasonable adjustment for my disability, that i should have a phased return over 6-8 weeks. They have suggested that i build my hours up over this period until i am full time.
HR initially welcomed this and said that as it was a reasonable adjustment they would pay my full wage (for 6-8 weeks). Today I have been told they have changed their minds and I will only be paid for the hours I work.
I understand that this probably seems reasonable : you should be paid for what you work. But I just don’t know how I am going to make it work/ survive. The amount I will earn will be very low , even if I am allowed to top it up with a reduced benefit rate , and won’t be sufficient for me to pay travel costs to and from work plus housing and food: let alone other bills.
I asked if I could return on full time hours but they said no because OH have advised I won’t be able/ I need to phase back in. What am I going to do?
I have been on nil pay for a year. I have used up all my savings and have borrowed to the max. I currently live from benefit payment to benefit payment , have maxed out credit cards and overdraft. I feel so fed up : just like giving up.
WWYD? Has anyone been in a similar position? If so how did you make it work. Thank you.
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Civil Service: Phased Return - how can I make it work?
Usernamechanged24 · 01/02/2024 13:03
Usernamechanged24 · 01/02/2024 19:25
I will also ask about annual leave as I haven’t used any whilst off sick so don’t know how that would work. Thank you.
AprilRoche · 01/02/2024 19:36
If they won't let you go back full time, then you should be able to get your pension on sick grounds - an ill health pension.
Are you in Alpha now with past Classic? After 20+ years, it'll be a good amount.
But yes, get your union involved. They'll know if your Dept has paid for full return in other cases.
Woman2023 · 01/02/2024 20:30
Do you have an employee assistance programme? I think we have something to help people in difficulty. Definitely worth looking at using leave to top up your working week.
TiredArse · 01/02/2024 20:58
As you’re getting uc you should ask them for help with travel costs for when you return to work.
Hope it all goes well on your return.
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