Long term sickness absence - best to resign or wait to be dismissed on health grounds?

[Willowcat77]

I have been off sick due to suffering a severe mental breakdown due to work stress. I am Autistic, which is relevant to my condition. I have now been invited to a sickness absence review meeting, following an OH Report which stated it was unclear whether I would be fit for work within 3 months. My employers have made it clear that the outcome of the meeting is likely to be dismissal on health grounds.

My question is, would it be better for me to resign now and spare myself the ordeal of these face to face meetings?

If I am dismissed would this be a massive stain on my work record and mean I will never be able to find another job again?

I am still very unwell and will have to apply for benefits (ESA). I'm worried that if I resign they might say I have made myself voluntarily unemployed and will be entitled to nothing.

So I don't know what to do for the best. Please can somebody advise? Thank you.

I’ve recently been going through the same situation.

Have you started the tribunal process?

Hope you’re okay

It may be better not to to resign! How long have you worked there? Is it over 2 years? I got fired from Capita in 2006 for sick absence and they paid me ill heath severance pay - 1 week's pay for every year of employment; I walked away with 3 grand, plus they paid me for the full notice period, even though I left on the day of the meeting. Don't take a hasty step. ACAS and/or Citizens Advice and/or your union should be able to help. I hope it works out for you.

Are you in a job with an occupational pension because if they dismiss you on health grounds you may then be able to get the pension.