@Jaygo Thank you, I’ve applied for PIP & ESA I had my telephone assessment for PIP last week & I’ve got ESA assessment on Friday. Can you remember how long the decision took? Xx
Hi @fairycake oh that sounds like a lot to have on one’s plate but yes this employer sounds disgraceful! OH should be offered and their recommemdations should be followed. Even if they have decided that due to ill health you cannot continue with the duties they should have attendance policy in place where they can offer medical redeployment to different role or offer the ill health termination of contract with the extra money. Perhaps you can get union involved to ask all these questions on your behalf or even attend the meeting on your behalf?
I have once left my workplace due to toxic management, started somewhere else and hated it. My union rep managed to get my job back but I understsnd it might be just too much to deal with at the moment.
Sending a massive hug your way!!!
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Oh gosh @fairycake , you’ve been through the wringer & it doesn’t sound like your employers have been doing right by you or following the law. If you feel up to it, would recommend giving ACAS a call to talk through your options (03001231100). It sounds like it could be considered constructive dismissal and you would be entitled to compensation.
You should also join the Kadcyla group that @Jaygo started over in the targeted therapies section: https://forum.breastcancernow.org/t/kadcyla-2026-group/
Kadcyla is manageable for most people, there are side effects but they’re usually not as bad as traditional chemo. It drags out the whole experience though, which can feel like a LOT when you just want to put the whole cancer thing behind you. There’s a lot of information that our Kadcyla crew has shared here & you can use the search bar up top to search this thread for all the details.
Sending hugs.
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Hi @boobitis Unfortunately my employer doesn’t have a union in place & I’m not a member of one. I believe now I’ve (foolishly) resigned I don’t have a leg to stand on.
I’ve played completely into their hands, as they’ve probably saved a lot of money by me resigning. I didn’t realise I could potentially be offered a severance package. My headspace is definitely not what it was. I definitely don’t want to contact them asking if I can withdraw my resignation, I don’t want to make a fool of myself, as I’m 100% sure they would deny my request. Prior to my diagnosis I truly loved my job & gave it everything.
Since I’ve been off sick I’m the 5th member of our team to have left, including my manager & deputy manager. My previous colleagues have all said I’ve made the right decision. I agree with them in the way if I returned it would never be the same again. Something is definitely wrong & resigning is probably the best for my mental health.
I thought as I’m no longer receiving a wage, I couldn’t cope with them contacting me, as I can’t provide a RTW date. My consultant & oncologist have said I’m nowhere near ready to go back to work yet.
Love Fairycake x
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@fairycake Dont give yourself a hard time over your work decision, getting our heads around treatment is hard enough without knowing employment law! @kartoffel may well have a point about constructive dismissal but choose your battles, your health comes first.
If you or someone you trust has some energy then have a look if there are any free legal advice points:- like Citizens Advice, Maybe free short sessions with legal firms locally, or often there’s a legal helpline on things like house insurance policies. I got brilliant advice from my house insurer on what to put in a letter when my neighbour’s dog attacked mine. You never know….being offered some money in lieu of severance would be nice! Take care of your well being first.
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Hi @kartoffel I contacted ACAS they said because I’d worked for the employer less than 2 years I had limited protection. They did say I was protected from discrimination but they didn’t mention anything about potentially getting a severance package. Unless it’s because I worked for the company less than 2 years, I didn’t qualify? As I believe it’s at the company’s discretion.
As you say I just wanted to put this cancer journey behind me. I don’t think I’ve been through anything as tough in my life.
Thank you for your reply - it’s appreciated greatly.
Love Fairycake x
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Just to say that you’ve made the right decision for you even if your employers are utter gits.
As for PIP, I had a phone interview and it got passed to Belfast for processing and took a week for the decision to be made. Total process took about 4 months, but they back paid to the date of the diagnosis letter.
Not sure if I am getting ESA or not. I did apply and there’s no reason I can think of why I shouldn’t, but unless it has been merged with my PIP then I haven’t seen anything so far. It was all a bit confusing. But, getting what I have got is going to help massively.
Right now the focus is on your wellbeing. xxx
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Lovely @fairycake I understand it all sounds so tough and you definitely made a good choice for your ongoing wellbeing and mental health.
One step at the time, I really hope your PIP and ESA will get processed asap and you will feel ok starting a new part of your treatment.
We are here to support you over a virtual cuppa whenever! Big hugs xxx
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