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Resigning from a job role due to health deterioration

Hi everyone. I'm hoping somebody may be able to help me with a bit of a dilemma I am having. Due to ongoing medical issues I have not been able to work since January this year. I have mobility problems which will effect the rest of my life and have had a few operations this year with regards to this. I'm now facing several more operations over the next few years.
I have been receiving statutory sick pay and this will cease in a few weeks as I will reach the 28 week limit. My employer does not pay sick pay so I am now at a crossroads as to what to do next. My job is both physically and mentally demanding and it's with a heavy heart I've had to accept that I am unable to now fulfil my job description therefore unsuitable for my role. There are no other roles available for me within the company. I have decided that the best thing to do is probably resign from my role but I'm not sure the best way to do this, is it a good idea to write a resignation letter stating my health deterioration as a reason for why I am resigning? And by resigning, will it affect any benefits that I may need to claim, even though my reasons are beyond my control?
I have begun to research my options with regards to the financial side of living with a disability, I don't have many people around me to discuss my worries with so I would be really grateful if anybody out there has any advice as to what I could or should maybe do for the best?
Thanks for taking the time to read my post 🙂
I have been receiving statutory sick pay and this will cease in a few weeks as I will reach the 28 week limit. My employer does not pay sick pay so I am now at a crossroads as to what to do next. My job is both physically and mentally demanding and it's with a heavy heart I've had to accept that I am unable to now fulfil my job description therefore unsuitable for my role. There are no other roles available for me within the company. I have decided that the best thing to do is probably resign from my role but I'm not sure the best way to do this, is it a good idea to write a resignation letter stating my health deterioration as a reason for why I am resigning? And by resigning, will it affect any benefits that I may need to claim, even though my reasons are beyond my control?
I have begun to research my options with regards to the financial side of living with a disability, I don't have many people around me to discuss my worries with so I would be really grateful if anybody out there has any advice as to what I could or should maybe do for the best?
Thanks for taking the time to read my post 🙂
Replies
I'm so glad you've told me to not just resign as I have my letter here ready to go!
I made a claim for PIP at the end of May but have yet to hear back, I gather it's initially quite a lengthy process til first payment is made.
I've looked at ESA but I kind of dismissed it and ruled it out thinking that UC would be the better option?
I'm living with my parents due to the extra support I need, but they too are kind of in the dark with regards to the support available with regards to living with a disability. Would you suggest that I still make a claim for UC considering my current living arrangements?
This is all new and feels like quite a daunting task, but like you say, its best to get some face to face advice to help me further.
Lots of good advice there from @Poppy123456 which I couldn't possibly be able to add to......but have to say that you DO NOT resign from your job as you will then be classed as having deliberately put yourself out of work. That would cause all sorts of problems when it comes to claiming support and/or benefits.
Leave it up to your employer to decide whether or not to continue to keep you on the books as it were.
Best wishes.
DLTBGYD
It's a really tricky situation because there is no chance that I will be able to return to that role and I feel like it's now becoming an extra unneeded pressure hanging over me if that makes sense?
I would rather just focus on the difficult future I'm facing and completely forget about the job.
Is it definitely the case then that even if I resign due to medical grounds it will still go against me when I apply for UC or ESA?
If I were to write a letter that made clear that I'm not resigning but I'm leaving due to an unforeseen deterioration of my health would that then count in my favour if I were to apply for benefits?
Best wishes.
DLTBGYD
Regardless of any of this, you should never just resign from any job.
He said that my employer can either dismiss me on capability grounds or I can decide to resign. He said that if I were to stay employed I would still get holiday pay.
I had to reiterate the point that I'm physically unable to perform in my job role and that I want to leave so that I can focus on the difficulties that I'm facing in my future. I said I would like to know if he thought it is would be a good idea to just resign from my post as this is my biggest concern.
But he wasn't as insistent as you Poppy, he didn't stress that I should not just resign.
He was quite hesitant in his response.
He touched on the fact that any benefits I claim may be affected if I made the decision to resign, but he said that ultimately its my choice.
I haven't come away from the phone call feeling particularly confident in knowing the best thing to do.
But all of your advice yesterday has helped massively and lifted a huge weight, so thank you!
Scope
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A very warm welcome.
Sorry to learn of your health and work related problems.
I note that you have been absent from work for over six months, has your employer not been in touch with you, to see how you been keeping?
In respect of your consideration of resigning, might I suggest an alternative.
You could write to your employer a “Without Prejudice” letter, explaining your current health and well being.
Such a letter is a simple means of engaging with your employer, and not offering your resignation.
You could seek the assistance of a community law centre, for more guidance.
In respect of claiming ESA, seek face to face advice from your local CAB, as you will need this benefit, when your SSP runs out.
Keep us informed.
My employer hasn't contacted me since the beginning of March to see how I'm doing. It's a very small company and I've worked there for 10 years so I've been slightly bewildered by this. My fit notes have reached my employer through my manager.
I like your idea of a 'without prejudice' letter and will draft one today.
I will also try to get to my local Citizens Advice centre in the next few days.