Reducing hours

shellydm

Hi everyone,my name is Shelly n I've just joined the group.im 57 years old n had arthritis in both knees for years now but it has got worse n recent xrays show severe arthritis in both knees.i work 40 hours a wk as a support worker for people with learning Disabilities. I've recently gone onto working nights because I was struggling on days due to my arthritis,nights haven't been much better.i have been sent home so many times by my employer due to pain n swelling,I was thinking bout reducing my hours to 20 wk but not sure if I cud apply for help.any advice wud b much appreciated

Shelly

Jimm_Scope

Hey @shellydm, welcome to the community. That sounds really painful, and I imagine very.. frustrating? Or upsetting? Can I ask, have you had an occupational health assessment at your workplace? Was moving to a night-shift an adjustment at all, and are there no further adjustments that can be made?

I'm just thinking if you have yet to go down that route it could be first steps.

You could also apply for PIP, as it is not means tested and you can work while receiving it as well. You can do this right now if you think you meet the threshold. If you're being sent home from work due to how painful your arthritis is I would certainly give it a look. You can read more about it on one of our advice pages here: Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Disability charity Scope UK

shellydm

Hi jimm_scope

Thanks for replying,yes was referred to occupational health by my employer n this is y I went onto nights hoping it wud help but it hasn't helped.my employer has referred me back to occupational health n just waiting for that appointment. I've thought about pip but have heard such alot of horror stories.ive been signed off by doctor for 7 wks now.i tried to return to work but was sent home after just half hour because my employer didn't think I was fit enough.the trouble is being on a night shift is there is only 2 of us on the premises for 10 hours so being physically fit is a must.im not sure wot else my employer can do or if they will sack me

Shelly

Jimm_Scope

It can be difficult to get PIP, but it is very worth it once you've gone through the process. I'm glad to hear your employer is at least trying to make adjustments for you.

If the night shift requires more moving around, is it the better shift? You mentioned it was suggested as an adjustment, but to me it doesn't sound like it's worked out if it requires a lot of moving around for you when you have arthritis.

How long have you worked at the employer if you don't mind me asking?

I also would seriously consider PIP whatever you decide to do! Yes the process can be long and stressful, but the payoff is worth it.

shellydm

Working the night shift is alot easier n less work but it hasn't helped like we hoped it wud.only been with this company for 2 years n they've been very good just not sure wot else they can do to help me.it is quite a demanding job .I've been a carer for 25 years never done anything else.i was just hoping if I reduced my hours I cud continue to work.mayb I will apply for pip .my doctor has told me I need 2 knee replacements but I am too young n they don't like to do it til u r over 60.

poppy123456

You can use a benefits calculator to check entitlement to Universal Credit. If you live with a partner you'll need to claim as a couple and you joint circumstances will be taken into consideration. If you have capital/savings of more than £16,000 you're excluded from claiming.

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator

shellydm

Thanku I will check it out.not got a partner or £16,000 .

poppy123456

Do you rent or own your own home?

shellydm

I'm council tenant

poppy123456

Then your UC will include standard allowance (over 25) and housing element. Any earnings received will reduce your UC by 55%. There maybe a small entitlement but not huge.

If earnings are more the 16 x NMW per week you will not be able to go through the work capability assessment unless you're claiming a disability benefit such as PIP, which you don't at the moment.

shellydm

Thanku so much for the info

Shelly