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Original poster

On long term sick, get income protection but will it stop if they dismiss me

57 replies

Su55anr · 15/10/2025 19:49

On long term sick & getting Income protection from my employer. They are strongly hinting at dismissing me.
The income protection pays me 50% of salary for a maximum of 5 years. I’ve been paid IP for the last 6 months.
i think they will dismiss me on capabilities as I’m not currently able to do my job but I’m hoping my health will improve & I can return to it in time.
If they dismiss me am I correct in stating the income protection will cease too.
Thank you for any help you can offer

OP posts:
Bambamhoohoo · 17/10/2025 18:26

TartanMammy · 17/10/2025 17:28

I don't want to sideline the thread, insurance quotes will be different dependant on circumstances but it really isn't expensive for everyone, mine is £7 a month for death cover and £9 per month for critical illness. This is for both me and dp as a couple, we took it out when we bought out house when were younger so a new policy would probably be much more expensive. But it's possible the op could have been in a similar situation.

Show quote history

Yes it gets more expensive when you get older but it would’ve always been pretty hard to get say £350k critical illness cover for £9 a month IMe.
Critical illness is common especially as you age (and by age I mean over 40 when people generally still have a substantial mortgage)

Original poster
Su55anr · 17/10/2025 23:05

Kosenrufugirl & RonSel, thank you for your advice.
Ill ring Unite on Monday & get app with their employment lawyer.
The HR appointment in August with Union rep was recorded on Teams & transcribed. I was emailed a copy of the transcript.
I do have many emails & texts between HR, Income protection team, and my line manager.
HR have sent me 2 incorrect payslips showing payments much higher than they should be & I’ve informed them before it was paid.
Once again thank you for all this info

OP posts:
Enigma54 · 22/10/2025 10:15

Su55anr · 17/10/2025 17:27

Enigma54,
Really sorry to hear of your diagnosis, do hope you get as much help & support as possible.
I doubt I’d qualify for Ill health retirement as isn’t that where the employer allows you to retire but pays a lump sum into your pension for the years you won’t be working ?
example I am almost 61 & state retirement is at 67 for me. If I earned 50k pa they currently pay 8% of salary to my pension. It would cost them 50k x 8% x 6yrs =24k.

Yes IHR does cost the employer, but I just thought it might be an option for you.

Original poster
Su55anr · 22/10/2025 11:46

Enigma54
Thank you, you are absolutely right it is another option to suggest to my employer. I didn’t mean my previous response to come across as curt. Sorry about that.

OP posts:
Enigma54 · 22/10/2025 12:07

Su55anr · 22/10/2025 11:46

Enigma54
Thank you, you are absolutely right it is another option to suggest to my employer. I didn’t mean my previous response to come across as curt. Sorry about that.

No worries, you weren’t being curt at all.

It’s difficult to know what to do isn’t it? at the end of the day, you need to decide what’s best for you and your health and finances.

HarryVanderspeigle · 22/10/2025 12:13

Have you directly asked them if being let go would stop the insurance? It seems utterly pointless to have a 5 year insurance product and then not allow people to use it for 5 years. Better to find out now if they are not following the right process than after you get dismissed. You say the company was taken over in the past few years, so they might just not know what they are doing.

Where I work, you stay under your manager at first and then move to "report" into one person in HR if off for the longer term, or never returning. You don't get dismissed, but it does mean you can be replaced. I don't actually know what happens if people are ready to return a few years down the line.

Original poster
Su55anr · 22/10/2025 15:30

HarryVanderspeigle,
Initially my manager was checking in with me every time I sent a sick note to him. Then had HR meeting in August (off 10 mths at this point) & they are checking in again at end oct/beginning nov.
You may be correct in saying HR don’t know what they’re doing as they have not followed procedures in the company handbook.
It was HR who said I couldn’t expect to receive income protection for 5 years. I wasn’t quick enough to ask why not. However, I will ask at next meeting

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