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Occupational health referral

(11 Posts)
chelseababy Wed 04-May-16 15:00:01

I haven't been coping too well at work lately, find the job too complicated and too many new computers things to do. I've had some odd days off sick but not with stress or enough for any warnings. I've asked if I could be downgraded to something more mundane or simpler. I'm being sent for an occupational health referral. Should I be totally honest about how I'm feeling, anxious, depressed, poor sleep, poor memory? I've got to go to London for it too which doesn't help. Any thoughts?

GrandmaMoira Wed 04-May-16 15:21:37

Being honest with occupational health depends on what they are like. Do you have any colleagues who have seen them before? My experience varied with occupational health. Usually they were very good when I was honest about sheer exhaustion, overwork, stress and bullying boss. They helped back me up against my boss. However, some years before that when I had had a fair amount of sick leave, they just said there was nothing serious wrong with me and I had to go to work when I was unwell.

chelseababy Wed 04-May-16 15:46:32

We have just changed to a new provider so cant ask anyone. I am hoping they will recommend a less challenging job and that I will then be given one albeit on less pay. I am just hanging on in there till I get my state pension but it's nearly two years away.

Charleygirl Wed 04-May-16 17:21:09

Could medical retirement not be an option? I do not think that you lose pay when retiriing this way.

grannylyn65 Wed 04-May-16 17:28:12

We were going to have to work 12 hr shifts and there was no way I could do that; I saw OH and Inhuman Resources and the only way that could happen was to be downgraded from Social Care Officer to a Health Care Assistant, not a huge drop in salary but I would also have to do Domestic Duties.
I lasted a few weeks then retired on medical grounds!

chelseababy Wed 18-May-16 15:22:36

Had the referral today and the nurse was very easy to talk to and explained what he was doing and why. At the end he told me he would recommend they find me another more straightforward job but that whether there was one available or not he could not say. Fingers crossed for good news!

chelseababy Tue 14-Jun-16 16:15:39

UPDATE: after the report was received at work I was given a less stressful job temporarily. I offered to be downgraded and I'm happy to say I've got a new job on the same team, slightly less money but not enough to worry about. So thank you employer for being caring.

vampirequeen Wed 15-Jun-16 08:50:17

That's brilliant. So pleased for you.

Charleygirl Wed 15-Jun-16 09:45:37

That was definitely a good result.

Jane10 Wed 15-Jun-16 12:17:55

Good news indeed. Thanks for the update.

dramatictessa Wed 15-Jun-16 12:21:34

How lovely to hear about a caring employer and a supportive Occupational health service. Hope you enjoy your last few years of working.