need help

[tabytha]

i work as a carer and injured my back in november i was off work for 4 weeks. i saw a chiropractor regularly who told me i have to change my job. im only 32 and have been told if i continue with the work i do i will be in trouble with my back permenantly....i went back to work and lasted 2 days. im off again now at least until january. the big problem i have is that i dont know where i stand legally in looking for an alternative job while on the sick as going back to caring seems a no go. im in a catch 22 position and to top it off im waiting for an mri scan. please help with advice x

[Lil O'lady]

It's a dilemma Tabytha. It's probably going to be better for you to look for a different type of work - the type of ?lifting you are being asked to do in this job is obviously not agreeing with you, and it ain't gonna change. There is nothing to stop you looking for another job now - but you will need to handle this carefully and consider for example what kind of reference your employer would give, at the moment.
Ask at your doctor's and see if there is anyone who can help you talk this through with your employer and clear your intentions up.If you are signed off sick, within reason you can't be sacked, but that position won't last long, so you need to get a clear picture of how you can move on without losing entitlement to jobseekers allowance etc if you don't find work right away.

[tabytha]

thank u very much lilollady ur answer has been most informative. will take ur advice and find out where i stand. i have been doing this job since i was 16 although only been working for the company im with now for 2 years. its obviously not the job for me. its difficult to leave my job as i love it so much! i love helping people and being allowed to be a part of their life(which is an honour). im not really trained for anything else unfortunately but will have to look at retraining. anyway thank you very much for your time i hope you have a lovely christmas xxxxxxxxx

[Lil O'lady]

Keep your chin up Tabytha - if you enjoy helping people look for something that avoids the lifting - cos of the area I work in, classroom assistant springs to mind - or any of the associated jobs around schools like school meals, lunchtime supervision, etc - but I'm sure you will find something if you keep going. Your confidence has taken a knock but remember, you've been a success once and you can be a success again. Have a lovely Christmas!