h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Thank you! I really hope it takes off too and I'm looking forward to the challenges and - hopefully - rewards it brings.

I wonder where I will stand with them because even though the chap on the phone was sympathetic towards me when I was going through the claim, I wonder how well my GP's sick lines and history of physio will stand up? The irony is, if I'm just pottering about the house I'm generally fine but when I need to be more active or in my seat for any length of time that's when things start grumbling. In theory a desk job should be fine as long as I'm super comfortable and can take a rest break as and when I need one, but you never know - I might just find a new job with a sympathetic boss

Well if you satisfy the new criteria, then your claim should be , these are the 3 basic ones, have had an illness or disability which affects your ability to work for at least four days in a row (including weekends and public holidays), be unable to work for two or more days out of seven consecutive days and be getting special medical treatment.
Your claim will either be Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance or income-based Employment and Support Allowance, there are plenty of details on the Directgov website to help you understand which you would most probably be eligible for.
It states that most people claiming Employment and Support Allowance will be expected to take steps to prepare for work. This includes attending work-focused interviews with their personal adviser.
This I’ve done many times, I’ve always insisted that I have a genuine desire to return work but at the moment my condition stops me from achieving this as Im unable to walk any distance, stand (even making a cup of results in pain, sit (I’m unable to sit in any position for any short period of time) and lifting now is a complete no go area.
You say your ok pottering around the house, me too but when you go for your interviews (they now phone you at home) you have to be quite clear and precise as to how your condition effects you.
I’ve found that its best to do a MOT on yourself, writing down examples of your incapacity and how it effects your daily routines, this add weight and goes to help qualify your claim.
You mention it starts grumbling, mine does too, or it did, it now prevents me from having the quality of life I once took for granted. That grumble got worse, a lot worse, it does not pay to be a hero, as that just lands you on your back for hours. What I’m really trying to say is that you have to be honest with your self and have a clear understanding of your capabilities, only then and only if your condition remains stable, can you sell the benefits you can offer to a future employer. Hope your claim goes and your condition improves.

That's not a bad idea actually! I think I might keep a diary so when I go in for this interview I can show them exactly what happens when go through my daily routine

I got an email back from my ex employer. They're not impressed with me and still think I'm being silly saying I have a disability and giving me a response which clearly shows they didn't take me seriously enough first time round. Add in some statements taken completely out of context and veiled threats (the conversation was overheard; we've taken legal advice from X and Y and Z) and you have a terrible response to my initial email. I told them in reply that I didn't realise that I had a disability until someone told me but they still failed to help me out when I asked for it. Also, when i said the job was not for me, it was in the context of if they are not prepared to meet me halfway with regards to alternative working arrangements, working with a company like that really isn't for me as I want my employer to care at least a little bit!

Sounds like they're giving you plenty to use against them.

I've been advised that it might be a good idea just to flip them the metaphorical bird and leave them be. I'm more than happy to do that, but I want them sorted out first

My employer sack me, after 24 years loyal service, they wait for the anniversary date to arrive before hitting the “lets sack him button”.
I could have taken them to a tribunal, if it wasn’t for the fact that I was too unwell and was focusing on getting better, I would have done.
After 24 years, your nowt but a number to them at the end of the day, a disposable commodity, heartless B******s that they were.

If you’ve got a case, the time and energy, do it

Oh don't worry, if they want to play silly buggers then so can I