Needing advice

Teddylo

Hi, needing advice on what to do. I've been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my hands spine hips knees and feet and my doctor has told me I cannot return to the job I had been doing for the last 8 years. I am a carer in a nursing home & I have been off & on SSP since august. My work want me to hand my notice in but the advice I've had so far is not to hand my notice in as I won't be able to claim anything so will have no income, so what do I do ?. I'm looking for another job but as I live on my own it will have to be non physical & financially viable. I've already had my pip assessment & awaiting result for that.

Sam_Alumni

@Zaid_Scope @pia_scope @Donisha_scope @rian_scope @mwila_scope - can any of you guys offer any advice?

rian_scope

Good afternoon @Teddylo
I am Rian from Scope Support to Work team and I am sorry you are unabe to carry on with the role you have been doing. I would advise you not to hand your notice in and speak with your current employer in regards to the possibility of another position available ie administrator as this may keep you in the company and they can make reasonable adjustments to keep you employed. However if you are looking for work and would like to be within the same field have you thought about possibly becoming a support worker which will hopefully not affect your disability.

Teddylo

Thank you Rian for replying, unfortunately there are no other options for me within the company I worked for as they are a small company & they run it on the bare minimum of staff as it is & they already have an administrator that has worked in that role for a long time & is not near retiring. So I will just need to keep looking for job that I can get to & that is financially viable for me. I have been looking at some sort of support role. If my employer does let me go, can I sign on for a benefit until I get another job ? 

rian_scope

@Teddylo
If you are looking for work we at support may be able to help you in gaining employment. You can also get benefits advice from one of my collegues here who will be able to assist you in giving information on benefits.

Teddylo

I am looking for work but I'm up in Scotland. My current employer has called me in for a capability assessment on Friday, what should I expect & what is the process for someone in my situation ? Can they retire me when I can't physically do the job ? Would be grateful for any advice as my stress levels are increasing.

Zaid_Scope

Hi @Teddylo
This must be a really stressful time for you! I have some info here about what to expect and how the process works: https://fitforworkscotland.scot/fit-for-work-assessment/guidance-for-employees/ 
There is lots of relevant information on this site that should help ease some of your stress:  https://fitforworkscotland.scot/about-fit-for-work/ 
I hope this helps.