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redeployment dilemma

(11 Posts)
pooohbear2811 Tue 21-Jun-22 11:37:11

I am approaching 63 and since covid hit been unable to do my own job due to allergy issues.
Took a swap of job role within the hospital but sadly the chemicals used affected my breathing.
Just had 17 weeks off work in which time saw a respiratory specialist who added more medication to my already large array. He said I could not go back to the job role I had been covering, still cant go back to my own so am facing redeployment,
I fully understand where my employer is coming from.
Currently accepted six weeks work fifteen hours over five days but will cost me a fortune in fuel as will be driving over 100 miles a week more than before, and for less of a wage.
This is not financially viable as would be down £300 a month, I am on less than £1000 as it is.
So the decision has to be do I accept this? Or take the redeployment and end up unemployed if they cant locate me elsewhere within the industry ( NHS) ? Which would also be a drop in income obviously.
My head is buzzing with it all.

MawtheMerrier Tue 21-Jun-22 12:01:16

Are you not entitled to redundancy or early retirement on health grounds?

wildswan16 Tue 21-Jun-22 12:02:28

Hopefully you are good communication with the Occupational Health department.

You need to find a role which does not exacerbate your respiratory issues. It might mean a total change of direction for you and hopefully you can find something within your NHS district that you could apply for, should their not be a suitable redeployed role found for you. Be prepared to re-train and have a good few months possibly doing roles that are not convenient etc. Keep an eye on all the vacant posts - whether or not they are in your current line of work. If you spot something then get back in touch with OH.

It will be worth it in the long run if you can remain within the NHS.

Casdon Tue 21-Jun-22 12:08:35

You need to speak to your manager and HR and explain why the post you are have accepted is not suitable alternative employment. Take the calculations you’ve made about travel costs with you. They are obliged to see if any more suitable alternative roles which do not leave you financially disadvantaged are available.

MadeInYorkshire Tue 21-Jun-22 12:21:32

I would keep going sick as then they will retire you on health grounds in which case you can claim your NHS Pension - I had to take mine at 50, I on;y did a few years and get £166 a month, so I assume yours will be a lot better! If you can claim PIP even better and if you stop work before retirement age you should also be able to get some Universal Credit? May be worth having a chat wit Citizens Advice or Age UK about your options? Best of luck .....

MadeInYorkshire Tue 21-Jun-22 12:23:35

PS: Do not resign!

Make them make you retire for ill health grounds, it makes a difference ....

Casdon Tue 21-Jun-22 12:42:25

MadeInYorkshire

I would keep going sick as then they will retire you on health grounds in which case you can claim your NHS Pension - I had to take mine at 50, I on;y did a few years and get £166 a month, so I assume yours will be a lot better! If you can claim PIP even better and if you stop work before retirement age you should also be able to get some Universal Credit? May be worth having a chat wit Citizens Advice or Age UK about your options? Best of luck .....

Please don’t do this, you won’t be retired on health grounds if you are able to work restricted duties. The rules have been tightened in the last few years,

tanith Tue 21-Jun-22 13:28:51

I was retired on health grounds and even 15yrs ago it took my Unison rep fighting on my behalf to get it and it might be nigh on impossible nowadays. If you are in the union you should ask for advice before making any decisions.

Visgir1 Tue 21-Jun-22 13:48:55

Wild Swan16 has given excellent advise .
Being on long term sick in the NHS your job will be left open but you will not get paid after so many weeks off sick as your " Sick time Allowance" will expire, it also based on the Bradford Index so remember it's a "Rolling year"
If you are unable to return they have to try to redeploye but if you don't accept a redeployment post you could loose your job.
Speak to your Union Rep, you might have protected pay? So if you take a post substantially different you could be okay?
Best of luck

ElaineI Tue 21-Jun-22 20:22:15

Are you in unison? What is your job? Nurses can retire from 60 or before but definitely see occupational health about it. You do get a choice about redeployment but can only turn down a couple.

pooohbear2811 Tue 21-Jun-22 22:27:39

I have Occ Health, HR, and Unison on board. They have all been onboard for over 2 years. Had various meetings and with both the domestic dept and the catering dept involved. Catering is now taken out of the equation as they can no longer accommodate me safely. The 6 weeks is in a none clinical area, office cleaning, and has to be elsewhere as nothing else is available in my normal work place as it is an acute hospital so patients, staff and visitors are everywhere. The 6 weeks is while they try and come up with something else in my own hospital but not looking promising as masks appear to be going nowhere.
Sadly I don't have protected pay as they are not redeploying me for their benefit but mine, other wise I would be entitled to protected pay and extra out of pocket expenses.
Have been warned about taking a cut in hours as this will affect the pay I get during the 12 weeks redeployment time and the payout I will get if they cant relocate me.
Happy to retrain and have signed up for a up to date computing course to hopefully make me more employable.