Husband medically unfit for work, options now?

Found out today that my husband is medically unfit for work due to a chronic health problem. The job that he has needs him to be physically fit to perform certain tasks. He won't be made redundant as every member of staff currently employed is required in order to operate safely.

He is waiting for the occupational health officer to inform the company of same. He has worked for the same company for 5 years. Is his employer likely to keep him on in a 'lighter duties' capacity or given that his medical issue will not improve could they force him out?

Sorry to hear this Wednesday.

Hopefully your husbands employer can offer him a different role within the company that he can perform. It is worth checking if the employer has any income protection benefits in place, he may be covered for a % of his salary until his retirement if he is unable to work.

You are worried obviously worried that he may be let go or forced out so I would recommend you have a chat now with a solicitor that has experience in this area of law. An initial meeting with a solicitor will probaly not cost too much money. Knowing your husbands legal rights now and the options available to him will probably make this difficult situation less stressful.

I hope all goes well in any event.

Before incurring the costs of a solicitor I would be inclined to give these people a ring [broken link removed]

He may also get some advice on www.consumerinformation.ie

Thanks for the advice. I've been in touch with NERA, they were very helpful.

If the health problem meets the definition of a disability in the Employment Equality Acts, he is entitled to a 'reasonable accommodation' from his employer. A lot will depend on the size of the employer. If a 'light duties' post is available, then he should get first dibs on it. They won't be obliged to create a post for him.

It might be worth reading up on this case; [broken link removed]