Query about IHR

[estelle]

Can someone please explain to me the criteria for being offered Ill Health Retirement.

I did a search and found the document which is our agreement, but I am wanting to know the grounds on which it can be offered and more specifically, how long does an individual have to be absent for before OH Assist and RM can decide an absence is long term.

I want and need to talk over my circumstances with someone who knows the way things work, but I know that putting it on this forum is not a sensible idea.

Can anyone help me please? I tried contacting my branch yesterday, but it was a Friday afternoon so there was no answer.

[estelle]

I may have answered my own question but IHR should only be offered when all other options have been exhausted according to the attendance procedure document.

Absences over 14 days are automatically classed as long term.

Now, how do I make a complaint against OH Assist and the approach adopted by RM?

[rehabron]

I may have answered my own question but IHR should only be offered when all other options have been exhausted according to the attendance procedure document.

Absences over 14 days are automatically classed as long term.

Now, how do I make a complaint against OH Assist and the approach adopted by RM?

RM will have referred you to OH Assist concerning your medical condition and length of absence. On the information you supplied to OH Assist they will then arrange for a rehabilitation programme to assist you in preparation for a full recovery and return to your duty. This will entail reduced hours, modification of workload, degrees of discomfort in performing the work that is required of you by RM. This will be monitored in weekly rehabilitation meetings to determine your progress or if an extension to the programme is necessary. When all avenues have been explored and the prognosis of your medical condition is the likelihood that you will be unable to perform the work that RM requires of you then IHR will be considered.
So what does your complaint to OH Assist consist of and the approach adopted by RM?

[estelle]

IHR is being suggested after a matter of a month - having not been off with this issue before and none of the other avenues being explored.

I am not going into further detail here as the walls have ears

[aiden01]

IHR is being suggested after a matter of a month - having not been off with this issue before and none of the other avenues being explored.

I am not going into further detail here as the walls have ears

are you on any stages ex 1 2 3 if not tell them to do 1 wa..ers.

[estelle]

Yes, but only first stage.

[aiden01]

Yes, but only first stage.

cann.ot understand why they are offering ihr if only on a stage 1 hopefully someone will give you good advice on here soon.

[rehabron]

Yes, but only first stage.

Tell RM that consideration of IHR is premature on your current situation and make sure you are copied in on the OH Assist reports that are sent to management and this will give you an idea where the recommendation of IHR is coming from.

[Senior Service]

Even if it looks as if IHR may happen don't be in any hurry to agree to leave. At present you should be being paid full wages and this will not affect any pay out you may get right now or in 6 months time (the difference being you will have had an extra 6 months of wages). If the process is delayed (involving your Union at Area level, getting second opinions from OH Assist or your Doctor, maybe entering a grievance if your condition was caused by negligence or lack of care from your DOM etc) this will give you longer to recover ad more thinking time about "what next" if you are not able to recover. Don't forget if it looks like you will be IHR'd its in Royal Mails interest to get rid of you as quick as possible and not necessarily in yours (unless you have another job lined up!).

In short if you are going to have to leave try and make it on your terms as much as possible.

[aiden01]

Even if it looks as if IHR may happen don't be in any hurry to agree to leave. At present you should be being paid full wages and this will not affect any pay out you may get right now or in 6 months time (the difference being you will have had an extra 6 months of wages). If the process is delayed (involving your Union at Area level, getting second opinions from OH Assist or your Doctor, maybe entering a grievance if your condition was caused by negligence or lack of care from your DOM etc) this will give you longer to recover ad more thinking time about "what next" if you are not able to recover. Don't forget if it looks like you will be IHR'd its in Royal Mails interest to get rid of you as quick as possible and not necessarily in yours (unless you have another job lined up!).

In short if you are going to have to leave try and make it on your terms as much as possible.

[estelle]

Thank you everyone, I know now what I need to do and where I stand for now

[aiden01]

Thank you everyone, I know now what I need to do and where I stand for now

good luck.estelle