long term sick leave

[fangy]

Hi,
I've worked for Royal Mail as a postman for over 6 years.
I've always had a good attendance with no warnings.

Last November I had a motorbike accident,came off on a diesel spill on a roundabout,dislocating my shoulder and tearing 3 of my rotator cuffs. I've been on the sick since,so now I'm waiting for an operation but have been told that I should make a full recovery afterwards.
The other day my manager called me in and said because I've been of so long the company want's to offer me a medical payoff.
He didn't call it "medical payoff" he called it by three initials but I don't know what they where.

Can I be forced out of my job,even though I've got a sick line in and I've been told there's no reason why I shouldn't be fit enough to go back once I've recovered?

The works phoning me tomorrow or Monday to talk about it again,they wanted me to go home and think about it,even though I told them I'm not interested.
Any advice would be great.
Thanks,
Fangy.

[clashcityrocker]

They are offering Ill Health Retirement (IHR)
Given that you have only been off since November and the prognosis is for a full recovery, this is nonsense.

Have you had an ATOS referral? If so, what did it recommend?
If not, ask for one.

Your DOM has gone mental.
Get in touch with your rep/area rep.

[rehabron]

The info given by "clashcityrocker" is spot on. Your DOM is jumping the gun by offering IHR ( Ill-Health Retirement) at this early stage because as stated the prognosis of your medical condition from specialist advice is a full recovery after your operation. I would have expected this DOM to have referred your to ATOS the appointed occupational health provider by RM or the Employee Health Services helpline. On the description of your medical condition you would have supplied to ATOS in their standard 20 minute telephone interview call they would have sent a report with their recommendations to your condition. Stick to your guns and don't let any pressure from DOM influence you from making the wrong decision. The latest programme on B&H might also be mentioned if DOM persists.

[UnhappyGremlin]

Listen to clash.

You cannot be forced to take IHR.
Tell them no.
And, if you get the offer in writing keep it. Reply in writing, refuse.
Then if they offer again, you may have the right to file a formal complaint.
Keep your Rep in the loop at all times.

Good luck with your recovery.

[fangy]

Hi,
Thanks for all the advice.
I'll wait and hear what the work has to say when they phone me back,
then have a word with my rep.
I thought this offer was a bit early but there again I wasn't sure.
I've never really been off.
Thanks again,
Fangy.