Sorry to hear your news, it must have been a terrible shock for you and your family, but as you say you have probably had this all your life and have managed to lead a normal life. If you are still managing to do your job, what grounds would an employer have for dismissing you? That would be discrimination.
I am sure employers have to do everything possible to accommodate any disability eg buying special equipment. Also, if you have to make trips to clients, this should not be done in your own time, your employer should allow you any extra time needed. I will investigate and see what info I can find for you.
You may be able to claim disability living allowance - I'm not sure exactly what the criteria are but the Benefits Agency will be able to advise you.
In the meantime I suggest you do nothing until you have had time to get used to the situation. Don't rush into anything, give yourself time to assess all your options. Take one step at a time - things will all work out.
"It's better to be in control on a small budget than to be out of control on a large budget."
As I thought, your employer is not allowed to discrimnate against you and has to make adjustments to help you. All the info you need re DDA and DLA on the direct.gov.uk website:
Thank you everyone for your kind words and especially those who have souight out information or offered advice on my behalf. I feel a fraud really as I don't regard myself as disadvantaged in any way and actually feel just like I did last week. The difference is that it is has now been proven that it is unsafe for me to drive and I have to adapt to a new lifestyle. It will be hard but I can deal with that. I just pray that the it does not get any worse. I have been referred to a specialist in these matter based in Manchester, so hopefully he will provide more answers.
Paul and Angelc, I have read and heard your comments and links and that is really encouraging. I spoke to my company today and they were fantastic. They offered support to mantain my current role or even offered me an office based role if I felt the travelling was too much. They even offered to switch my clients round with colleages to ensure I had the easier customers to reach. I couldn't had hoped for a better reaction.
My consultant said under his assessment I would tending towards partially sighted rather than blind. Which is both crazy and scary as I was driving around in my car at weekend. I think there are different sets of benefits assoicated with each. Paul, is right though that any benefit I would derive would be eaten up by by IVA so I may defer the decision until after my IVA has finished.
Everyone on here has been so great, thank you all again, I will keep you informed of any news. First things first, though, lets get this IVA approved on the 8th.
Phil,
I am so glad that your company is helping as best as they can (which they should) and I can see that you are feeling happier than you did earlier today. I think you are right to address one problem at a time as I feel it is easier to take in. Good luck with everything and we are always here for you no matter what. Look afetr yourself and your family
IVA.co.uk The best place for debt advice. Thanks to Melanie Giles, David Mond, David and J (Elv5) Kallis, Dand, Skippy, Andy Davie
Please don't feel a fraud Phil as you're definitely not that. You're actually making me feel guilty for moaning that I can't see the TV without my glasses! Seriously, I'm glad you're going to take your time before making any decisions, and also that you work for such a nice company.
Good luck with whatever you decide, and good luck for May 8th xxx
Thank you, my wife is calmer now I have explained the position taken by my company. We also benefit from living close to both our parents so I am sure they will help.
Big week next, David 5th, you 6th and me 8th. Everything crossed.
I'm so pleased your employers had such a supportive attitude. That's one thing less to worry about.
I agree, people are so supportive on here. If a problem shared is a problem halved, with the amount of people sharing on here it should be reduced to a tiny fraction.
Good luck on the 8th.
"It's better to be in control on a small budget than to be out of control on a large budget."
You have had really good advice from the other forum members, that I really cannot add anything - only to say that my heart goes out to you, and I can only just begin to imagine how you are feeling. Have courage, and try and keep positive - your health and looking after your family are the most important things right now - the debts can wait if they have to.
