IHR

[TeeferTiger]

I've just spoken to my DOM, advised them about the MRI scan etc and they said that they're wanting to re refer me to ATOS and look into IHR for me.

I've been with RM for 3.5 years and off since end of July with this head pain...

If I'm honest, I'm quite upset about this scenario. Obviously I'm worried about my health as it is, and now I'm worried that, before I even know what's properly wrong with me and whether it can be sorted, I'm being looked at being retired off.

I can't afford to be out of a job, I don't want to be out of a job but I can't return to work yet either. I also don't like the thought of IHR at my age, I'm not even 30 yet!

I don't really understand what IHR would mean to me?

[krussel]

Its bloody annoying why they do things like this

When i was off when i hurt my back and i got the same kind of letter after 5 weeks I showed my GP and he was shocked they acted so soon. I think its just a standard procedure at this stage and not too much to get worried about as ive known people to be off a lot longer and then come back on light duties for 6 months and they are still with us.

[Tamsky]

Hi Laydee
Find out from ATOS whether your medical condition falls under the Disability Discrimination Act. In very general terms if your condition is long term but can be controlled or limited by medication or adaptations which would enable you to continue work then RM must take this into account. You could speak to your Branch Legal & Medical officer about this. You might also seek some help from any female reps, although sadly they are thin on the ground, but you Branch should have a womens officer.

If you fall under the DDA RM have a legal responsibility to adapt or adjust your duty to suit.

IHR is not mandatory , your DOM should base his/her decision on the ATOS report so what you say to ATOS is important.

IHR is based on 34 weeks pay plus pay in lieu of notice (PILON) usually between 9 and 12 weeks dependant on your service plus any outstanding annual leave plus the value of colleague shares.

Hope this helps - don't get too anxious and seek some help from the Union (If your a member)
Good Luck

[chuckychucks]

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[TeeferTiger]

I don't see how they can retire me off when they don't even know what's wrong with me yet?! I've not had the MRI scan yet so I don't know what's going on "in there" so to speak. They've arranged another ATOS telephone consultation with me for tomorrow but I know ATOS will just say "not fit for work, re refer after MRI results/diagnosis".

Also, if RM are deciding with their amazing medical knowledge, that I'm not getting better and there's no hope of me being able to get back to work, then they're basically saying themselves that I'm eligible for DDA!!

I also didn't know whether they're just wanting rid of me for free or whether they'd still have to pay me off given the length of time I've worked for them.

I can understand perfectly where they're coming from, I'm costing them money being off sick. They're just stopped my WPC payments too so, although it was only pro rata, I'm already losing money (as well as overtime) by being off work.

[TeeferTiger]

I've spent all afternoon waiting for a phonecall from ATOS. Just sent a stinking email to my manager about it and then they phoned to apologise because the nurse hadn't picked up her diary for the afternoon.

I mean, it's not like I've got a packed social diary or anything but I've been worried about going to the loo all afternoon in case they rang and I missed em and got marked down as failed to "attend" interview.

Monday afternoon now