Illness Benefit & Job Seekers Query

Hi,

I wonder could you help me with the following query please.

I have been in my current employment four years. After falling pregnant twice in past two years, was on maternity leave as you do. After second baby was born in april 08, i was due back to work in october 08 but i suffer from anaemia and was on illness benefit until i am fit to return to work. So, just today my employer rang me to say that unfortunately he has no job for me to return to as things have got so quiet. Bit of a shock. So what i want to know is, because i will get a p45 does that mean i cannot get illness benefit any longer (as you have to be in employment to get illness benefit) and also if i cannot get illness benefit any longer can i get job seekers allowance. Also, am i entitled to any payment from my employer as he is letting me go due to the recession.

Thank you for any information you can give me.

Hi Hollie

You dont have to be in employment to get illness benefit

U should be entitled to Job Seekers Benefit as your employer is letting u go!
Go to your local SW office and they will help u with your queries.. u will have to stay on illness benefit until your doctor states that u are fit for work, and then u will probaby apply for JS benefit... in order to be eligible for JS benefit u must be actively seeking full time employment
Best of luck