Pathway - Return to Work

[Jan1957]

I have been contacted by Pathway about a return to work interview even though I have been unemployed since June 2008 and on Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance. I am currently waiting to find out if I need another operation (having already had 5 since Aug 2006) and at present can only walk a maximum of 20 yards. I am a bit worried about this interview and don't know what to expect.

Has anyone had any experience with this organisation? I know they work on a commission basis if they get someone back to work but am worried that I may lose benefit over this if I can't.

[Teleph0ne]

you might find it usefull, some are very usefull and try to arange any training or assistance you may need when you feel ready to return to work, they try to get you to think outside the box and consider re-training for a possible career change that might enable you to return to work in some way if you couldn't return to your previous career. Some however are comission based and purely there to try and push you into some sort of work to make the governments new figures balance. Be cautious and above all be honest, but don't let them push you into something you are not ready for. My partner went through similar and it helped her to retrain and hopefully in a few weeks no she is recovering, she will be lookng to return to work in a job that she never imagined that she could do!

[Jan1957]

Thanks but at 52 I think I am too old to re-train. I have done all sorts of secretarial work since I was 15. My main worry is if they want to force me back to work how the hell do I get there. I can't drive, can't get up the steps on a bus and couldn't afford to get taxis there and home. Also who will employ me knowing I may need another operation in the near future. I agree though, all I can do is be me and tell the truth and hope it's not one of those bullying people I saw on the tv programme about them! I think that's what I've let worry me.

[Teleph0ne]

I saw the same programme and was really worried when my partner was called in but where she went couldn't have been diferent. Friendly, helpfull and above all respectfull, they actually seemed to understand and treated her as a human being! Trouble is for you, up to the age of 60 you are still within the bracket that they are supposed to try and help back into work. Explain your condition to them and if I were you, I would say that you are unable to travel to the appointment due to your condition if you can't drive or manage the bus then they can't expect you to attend. If you are like my partner and manage to struggle around and don't make a fuss about how much pain you are really in then they will more than likely say that you are fit do do some kind of work. As crazy as it sounds, one organisation expected my partner to go on jobseekers allowance and start looking for work despite being on a coctail of drugs including morphine for her pain. She was off her head most of the time and couldn't possibly even travel to sign on let alone work. It really is disgracefull. It was sorted out at appeal though and things are much easier now. Good luck with yours

[Jan1957]

Thank you Teleph0ne. I think they might try the same with me but I do have additional problems including being treated for depression and high blood pressure. I intend to just be honest and see what happens. My original appointment was a couple of weeks ago and I had to cancel because of the weather and when I spoke to the person I was supposed to see she sounded quite understanding. Perhaps I'll be lucky and get someone who will understand. Appointment is not till 8th Feb but I'm already worrying.