Email from Labour MP

lizptsd

I didn't have a pension and as NEST only approached him in recent years and I don't think he wanted me to take it up anyway so I opted out. So I am afraid I am one of the economically inactive disabled. To be quite honest I had been struggling to stay there anyway. He said I could no longer perform the role I was employed to do after 18 years. The bullying was awful.

kc1978

I am sorry, but it one way it does seem that your better off.

I hate the term economically inactive disabled, I have worked like many disabled people. In fact I have worked for 27 years of my adult life, although had different jobs since I was 13 and worked through college and university and paid taxes and national insurance where I hadto, I also for part of my career paid 40% tax on a good portion. I never once begrudged it. My dad used to say if you earn a good enough salary that you have to, then pay it, and be thankful you got there.

I only became disabled in the last 3-4 years. So I think I was helping those that needed help, I now feel while I am currently unable to work, I'm getting help. I hope one day , I'll get to contribute again. But like you. I'm focusing on trying to get the right help and support. I also the way thing going think I need to be 68 before I can claim my state pension, who knows what the future holds so maybe that money I paid in NI contributions won't be used

I am sure many employers would not want people in a pension as they have to pay into it. That's why it is mandatory to join, and you have to opt out. They are not supposed to promote that, andi think now everyone needs to save into a pension. I look back and wish I had but when your young ,it's like why pay. I started late but glad I did it helped give time to sort things.

I think there had been lots misinformation spread In papers and on social media about disabled people and it's been done to turn public opinion, and those with genuine health issues are being painted as lazy, unwilling to work.

Well that's my feeling and experienced.

lizptsd

You're right and this kind of targeting is really disrespectful to us all. It's a challenge everyday just dealing with with symptoms, pain and limitations together with the extra expenses. My former employer said that my being there was impeding the smooth running of his business.

I did try and cope but as he had no regard for the 18 years I'd worked there and never wanted to make any adjustments to cater for my worsening conditions it was a foregone conclusion he was going to dismiss me.

He took the nearest parking space for himself and suggested that he purchased a parking permit for a nearby car park and deduct it from my wages each month which is totally illegal. The man hadn't got a clue!

So he's obviously never going to employ a disabled person again.

kc1978

I had similar premium spaces were for directors, parking bays for disabled were not easily accessible.

Disabled toilet was used by anyone who had any form of disability, non of them had mobility issues, and liked the larger space and obviously no "neighbours". However I was not able to access any other facilities. On several occasions leading to incontinence.

Despite have specialist equipment at home following a DSE , I was changed from home working to hybrid. I was working on desks and computers at the wrong height, my wheelchair did not fit under. Non of the doors were automatic.

I was commuting 6 3 there 3 hours home and still expected to work until and attend meetings till 4-5pm. Most journeys were longer and increased pain. They did not put days together meaning I could not organise care support.

It took 4 months to order the equipment and it hadn't arrived when I finished after further 3 months.

To be honest I hadn't come to terms with my disability, life changes as afraid that if lost job, was going to lose home, and that I would struggle to be re-employed as in 3 years my physical and mental health has declined.

It's been hard as I have lost friends who struggled to see me, and who could no longer share our social activities. I also struggled with confidence, fear, anger, resentment.

Accessing help is a mind field especially DFG, ChC, social care. Have been useless so far

Thankfully I have my mum and brother who without I would not be here.

Like you each day is a battle with pain, falls, and multiple problems, so I try to just get through the days.

I think employers sometimes are just fools, I had one say , why should you get any special treatment. I don't.

Trying to state that reasonable adjustments and access to a toilet are not special treatments but law and human rights, was lost on her. Sometimes you think you had a good employer until you reflect and review with others. Sometimes you don't see the problem, ignore it, or things are done that you were not aware of, and when left people would then tell you. Obviously at the time they were afraid of consequences.

I think the next few years are going to be very interesting and I already am not sure that Labour have the right intentions about protecting and supporting disabled individuals. I hope I am wrong