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PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELP

Last post 06/04/12 at 12:31 by kareneades, 22 replies
Post started by tabathadrew on 01/02/12 at 17:31

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  • tabathadrew avatar
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    Posted by: tabathadrew 01/02/2012 at 17:31
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    LightningI have been Head of Year many years but have been off with stress and depression since the start of term. I have decided to leave because I am no longer able to cope especially since my husband is very ill. I dont want to resign because I cant afford to.

    I will be 55 in October. Would it be better for me to apply to leave then under ARB or apply for ill-health retirement? I would not get the full award and so no enhancement.

    Someone in the Leadership team did warn me that when I go back to work I will be put on capability because the headteacher (`she has ways and means`) wants rid of me and if I stay off sick the same will apply. This is after 14 years of unblemished service in the same school- my only crime falling ill and being more expensive than someone in her 20s. I cannot believe what is happening to this profession..

    I just dont know what to do. I would like to do part-time teaching in the future after I retire - if only because I would need to financially.

     

    Please, please help me.

     

    Thabatha

     

     
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    Posted by: lindenlea 01/02/2012 at 20:01
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    Some replies are on Workplace Dilemmas. Have you spoken to your union. This is not an uncommon situation and you mustn't panic. There will be a way through but you need expert advice. When you know your options you will feel better able to take control of your situation but you might have to accept you will not stay in your current job. Start to see the good aspects of this. It takes a shift of perspective.

    .
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    Posted by: gooddays 02/02/2012 at 02:07
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    Are you making use of any employee assistance/professional counselling service you are entitled to, Thabatha? It's really helpful to discuss these decisions with a compassionate, trained, unbiased professional. Your husband, family and friends might not be in the best position to advise you objectively and to allow you to express your very understandable sadness, disappointment, confusion, anger, resentment, regret - whatever you're feeling. Don't allow yourself to be rushed into making this important decision.
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    Posted by: mymoose 02/02/2012 at 07:24
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    You really do need to contact your Union about this urgently and be guided by their advice. Good luck.
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    Posted by: tabathadrew 02/02/2012 at 18:38
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    My union can`t represent me because I changed to them at the end of last year. I dont know which way to turn and feel like giving up on life
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    Posted by: lindenlea 02/02/2012 at 19:22
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    Come on now tabatha. How about phoning these people for a start.

    http://teachersupport.info/england/

    Don't let the b a s t a r d s grind you down as someone said.

     
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    Posted by: Gardening Leaves 03/02/2012 at 09:51
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    tabathadrew:

    My union can`t represent me because I changed to them at the end of last year. I dont know which way to turn and feel like giving up on life

    OK, so your next option is to have a look at your home insurance and see if you have inclusive legal cover on there.  Many do and employment disputes are usually covered by this.  You need to go to see a lawyer who specialises in employment law.  In any event, the first appointment is usually given at no cost.
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    Posted by: Gardening Leaves 03/02/2012 at 10:00
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    Sorry - my last offer posted before I could edit...

    I wanted to clarify that your difficulties only started at the beginning of this term, when you went sick, yes?  And you changed unions at the start of the (presumably academic) year?  Unless there were ongoing difficulties of which this is a continuation before you changed union, they should be supporting you.  Contact them again at regional or higher level.  You have entered into a contract with them to provide you with services. 

  • tabathadrew avatar
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    Posted by: tabathadrew 04/02/2012 at 14:46
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    No the union insist they cannot help. I changed to them too late on this issue. I am worried I wont get six months sick pay. It is making my husband feel even worse; he is seriously ill and I am going under.
  • Gardening Leaves avatar
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    Posted by: Gardening Leaves 04/02/2012 at 15:55
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    tabathadrew:

    No the union insist they cannot help. I changed to them too late on this issue. I am worried I wont get six months sick pay. It is making my husband feel even worse; he is seriously ill and I am going under.

    Ok...then try the home insurance for legal cover option or your local CAB.  Advisers there are trained in Employment Law. xx
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