off sick prevents vr

[CollegeKelvin]

Hi, I was off from November to beginning of February with various things wrong with feet. Tried phased return to work for 5 weeks and then 4 more weeks on normal duties. However, had to go off again as the pain was excrutiating. VR's were offered 5 weeks later which were offered according to seniority - I would've been in line. However, they jumped over me as I was on sick & they said I would have had to be back at work for 12 continuous weeks before VR offered. I'm missing out on a bigger payment as I have worked there full time for 29 years. Instead I'm getting offered half the amount through IHR. Totally Gutted!!!!!

[POSTMAN]

Is this right?
Anyone?

[CollegeKelvin]

Union Rep at meeting with RM agreed I was just "unfortunate" - just thought I'd highlight this to all workers as they don't adverstise this fact!

[Scotland1]

This isn't right as we had someone in our office off sick and he was offered and took vr, I was next in line so I was gutted too, go higher to get something done, ie area rep email Moyà good luck and keep head up

[CollegeKelvin]

Thanks Scotland1, but it was the CWU area rep & glasgow secretary who advised me. Going into meeting at 10am today - if you can, could you tell me office so I can quote where it happened?

[baldrick]

I knew someone who was off sick for 6 months but got EVR when it was offered. But that was at least 10 years ago, so I don't know if it's different now. That was at Mount Pleasant MC.

[CollegeKelvin]

Contacted CWU head office - Union Guy I spoke to heard of 4 cases in last couple of weeks. It seems as they have put me down as a failed rehab & OHS automatically involved, they've fast tracked the IHR route. If you have been assessed for IHR, then as you are in this process, you are not entitled to VR. I sneekily suspect RM are doing this on purpose to avoid paying out VR (getting rid of a full timer for half the cost!) They have now allocated a part timer to my job before I've even signed the agreement as they can just go ahead & process IHR anyway! I hope this reaches as many (ex) colleagues as possible to make them aware of these facts!!!! So help spread the word to as many people as possible so they are not treated in the same way - so much for 29 years of loyal service!!!!

[baldrick]

I'm sorry to hear that CollegeKelvin. Seems that RM are using any way they can to get rid of long serving staff for as little as possible.

[Jefferson Starfish]

They had a preference exercise at my DO last December I think, but non of the people asked have been offered VR at all. Instead 6 full timers have been given IHR, with service ranging from 7 years to around 38.

[mudmonster]

This is typical of Royal Fail I went on IHR ,asked if I could go on VR only to be told NO ,we are just getting shafted to save them money

[POSTMAN]

Contacted CWU head office - Union Guy I spoke to heard of 4 cases in last couple of weeks. It seems as they have put me down as a failed rehab & OHS automatically involved, they've fast tracked the IHR route. If you have been assessed for IHR, then as you are in this process, you are not entitled to VR. I sneekily suspect RM are doing this on purpose to avoid paying out VR (getting rid of a full timer for half the cost!) They have now allocated a part timer to my job before I've even signed the agreement as they can just go ahead & process IHR anyway! I hope this reaches as many (ex) colleagues as possible to make them aware of these facts!!!! So help spread the word to as many people as possible so they are not treated in the same way - so much for 29 years of loyal service!!!!

Perhaps ask HQ to take this further (Sue them ect) you are the 5th person in 2 weeks according to them!

[Tman]

This is typical of Royal Fail I went on IHR ,asked if I could go on VR only to be told NO ,we are just getting shafted to save them money

Strange logic. If you were being "processed" for IHR why would you think you should be offered VR?
Nothing "shafted" or money-saving about it.

[CollegeKelvin]

The thing is, if you are full-time, RM will fast track IHR if you are off sick - this is a cheap way of getting rid of full-timers as they want a part-time workforce. This is a fly move as it costs RM around £14K for IHR instead of a max of £42K for VR. Suspect they have an agreement with OHAssist. They will not employ a full-timer in your place but replace the position with a part-timer - thus saving them even more money!

[bogstandard]

as unpopular as this post may be when you are sent to OH there is a standard quetion on all management OH requests and that is "is this person suitable for IHR". it doesn't matter why you're there the question still exists. when i've accompanied members to OH meetings i have forewarned them that this question is on the OH assesors questionaire and the assesor will decide if you are or meet the criteria. Knowing this beforehand helps when you're in there as you can say i fully expect to return to full duties in 1 week, 1 month, whatever. regardless of whether you do or don't.

Once IHR has commenced you cannot be considered for a more financially beneficial package and vise versa.

[paulthepostie]

Someone above quoted £14000 for ihr. I though it was a flat rate of around £18000 or equal to a years pay, as a guy in our office just got £19300. Are holidays you haven't yet take included in that?