Hi can anyone tell me what the process is for lifestyle break are you guarnanteed your job back same hours same dept? Thanks in advance
I think lifestyle break you are entitled to your job back, career break you arnt.
Thanks for reply yeah I knew you keep your job but wondered if you get same hours and same dept or can they change all your hours and days you work?
No,you come back,to the same hours,dept and everything,you continue paying into pension and if you have SAYE these payments will be taken if you still have enough income coming in. maximum time off for lifestyle break is 12 weeks.
Thanks, thats what I thought, my son has just returned from working with under priviliged children for 12 weeks he had taken a lifestyle break and was planning on returning to work on Monday. He has now been told he will probably need to change his hours, dept and maybe even store. Anyone got any advice on what his next steps should be?
If in a union get his rep involved and/or try to get a copy of the relevant document concerning Career breaks and lifestyle breaks.
Found this
http://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/hr/features/1014432/benefits-study-tesco-a-break-life-balance (http://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/hr/features/1014432/benefits-study-tesco-a-break-life-balance)
Quote.Employees must give a minimum of four weeks' notice, sometimes longer if it is at manager level, but they do not have to reveal why they are taking time out. They can take up to 12 weeks off, and when they return they go back to the same job, including hours, pay, and location. They are also entitled to the same benefits as they had before.
Hi thanks for all the info and help and the link.that link seems to confirm what he was told when he applied for lifestyle break. Think they are just trying to get another person off payroll and hope he goes quietly!!
angela84,
It seems that at your sons location the person he may be talking to is unaware of the relatively new option "The lifestyle Break" and maybe considering it as "Career Break".
It maybe worth considering your sons original application for "A Break". What process did he go through.
What was understood by both your son and management when the application was made and granted.
I would be saddened to see your son loose out on the rights of "The Lifestyle Break" if the process and application he has gone through was and is being considered as a "Career break".
From second hand experience of the Career break and some of the negatives that comes with it, both during and after it. I have tried looking for the company guide to both, to see if the process or events during (how share schemes or discount are treated in each case) are different which would inherently show how the company at your sons location viewed the application.
Alas there doesn't seem to be mention of "The Lifestyle Break" at www.peopleattesco.com (http://www.peopleattesco.com), only "The Career Break" (which I find odd in over 3 years after its inception), it may be worth looking at as the application form for the later is on there, I hope he didn't fill that form in. If you compare that process and the one which has been formally announced and commented on by the company through HR magazine ( in the link from The Mrs) the two process are clearly different on the return to work.
You are using the Term "lifestyle Break" which is good as it suggests there is knowledge of it at your sons location.
I have a theory what maybe happening but it would be an assumption so I'll refrain from making it as others here don't seem to like such a thing.
A simple statement like "no, it was an application for the NEW Lifestyle break not a career break" may surfice, but due to the current climate be prepared to examine what happen within the process ( with the union) as proof that it should be considered what your son intended it to be and not a career break which is clearly different.
I took a lifestyle break in 2010,when I applied,I received written confirmation of when I was off and the date to return,I also received a 3 page document which was titled "LIFESTYLE BREAK-OUR APPROACH" This listed all the details of how to apply and how the break is treated and what happened to different benefits. It clearly stated on this document that The employee returns to exactly the same job on the same terms and conditions as they left ,provided they return on the agreed date .You can tell the difference between a career break and a lifestyle break ,because a career break requires the employee to resign from the company,meaning that when they return to work they then have to re-qualify for certain benefits.Find out how this break has been managed and work from there.
That was my thoughts, I have no experience of the lifestyle break though. :d:
Is the SAYE and Privilege card suspended, as in a Career break you lose the right to both, even if a career break form was filled in by mistake, how they treated the two the SAYE in particular could prove how the application was viewed as it is not suspended to resume on return with a career break.
This may be academic if angela84's son didn't have a SAYE plan. :(
No,i kept my privilege card and SAYE payments were taken as I had enough income coming in still as I am on annualised hours and there was enough holiday pay being paid to still take out my deductions.I must say that my line manager was not aware of a lifestyle break ,so he passed my request on to Personnel,who agreed it with my shift manager. On the last shift I was working,before taking my break,I told my line manager that I would see him in 8 weeks time and nobody knew that I would not be in >:( , so I pulled out my letter,and said there you go ,I am off for 8 weeks. Apart from that everything went smoothly
Good so the privilege card is the key to how it was viewed and proof as the HR article says
QuoteAll 270,000 employees can apply for the benefit. Individuals fill out a form, which is then submitted to their line manager. Eligibility is based on length of service (one year minimum)
So he should/would of had one to be eligible, and how it was viewed would be dependant on whether it was suspended or not. :d:
Thanks for advice everyone. Just a liitle update.. my son has now returned to work he managed to find a copy of his holiday review form which clearly states he was on a lifestyle break which they were trying to dispute and saying they couldnt find any copies of any paperwork to say why he was off work. So so glad he had a copy. Really disappointed in Tesco and I always thought they were a reputable company to work for!
angela84, good news indeed :d:. May I offer the suggestion that while your son works for Tesco he keeps copies of as much as possible.
You know it make sense ;)
Obviously a genuine mistake and not at all intentional. :-X
I wanted to take a Lifestyle Break but was informed I can't due to my sick record - is this true?!??!
Yes,to be eligible employees must:
Have 1 years continuous service with the company
Have an acceptable performance record and absence record for the previous year (Note:this may be relaxed if the lifestyle break could support the employee to resolve any personal issues).
Give as much notice as possible,but at least 4 weeks notice.
I'm in search of a bit of advice. On my current uni course it is advised we search out placements with engineering firms. I might have an opportunity to move away for three months in the summer to get the placement but I want to be able to come back to my job in tesco upon my return. Is there any rules in the lifestyle break that would prohibit me doing this.
As far as I am aware there are no restrictions as to what you use the time for,just that you can't take more than 12 weeks leave.
The only other thing I can think of is that the company I would be doing doing a placement at may be paying me during my time there. I have heard if you take a career break you can't be employed by another company which rules out a career break but I can't find any information to see if this applies to a lifestyle break.
I took a lifestyle break myself,and worked for the whole period,before applying for it I asked if this was Ok,and was told it was fine.
Cheers, this has helped a fair bit to know where I stand
Hi I just wanted to know, if I was to take a lifestyle break at the end of the time agreed do I have to return to the job??
There's nothing forcing you to work for Tesco, whether you're on a lifestyle break or not, and there's no "you must work for us for x months after a lifestyle break" clause.
If you don't wish to return, just hand in your notice but please don't just not bother telling anyone. It's only fair on your existing colleagues that your manager has time to plan around you not returning.
Thank you for the response.
I just wanted to be sure before I made the request. To be honest I have no idea if I'll go back or not but don't want to resign right now I'd rather have a couple of month to get myself together before I make a final decision.
I plan to keep them informed every step of the way, I've been there a long time now and definitely wouldn't just not return without first letting them know!
Thanks again.
How many of these lifestyle breaks can you take?
one every two years
And the years inbetween you can request extended holiday :D
Just re-reading over this topic. What is an extended holiday and how do you take one of these?
Extended Holiday
Who can apply?
All staff
After How Long In Service?
1 year
Is It Paid Or Unpaid?
Unpaid
How long does it last?
Up to 4 weeks added to an agreed paid holiday or taken separately. Limited to a maximum of 1 period of leave every 2 years [only one period of either Lifestyle Break or Extended leave can be taken in any given Holiday year]
What's the notice Period?
As much notice as possible or a minimum of 4 weeks.
Who do you ask?
Yoy will need to complete a Leave Request Form and pass it on to your Line Manager. You Line Manager will consider your request and will let you know if your leave can be agreed.
by the way, there is a booklet called 'time for you' which every employee should have recieved. If not ask for one. Also it should be posted on your notice board, if it isn't I suggest you ask you PM/Line Manager, why not.
Anyone know if during lifestyle break you can come back earlier than the time you've requested?
Don't know if there's a rule about it, but someone in our store came back early when their plan to travel abroad went wrong.
Asking on behalf of a colleague of mine.
Can T3sc000 decline the Lifestyle break?
Also, do they normally give the persons hours who's going on a break to someone else or do they leave that position unfilled so they save a few pennies?
Yes they can decline the lifestyle break. Usually you have to have a clear disaplinary record and be green attendance .
The reasoning behind this is do they want to keep you, if not they might hope you quit. Sad but true.
Do you know if i can take a lifestyle break and still have my normal allocated holidays?
Yes ,lifestyle break is unpaid and you should be able to take the whole period that you require as this. They can ask for you to use a some of your holidays as part of the time off,but in my experience of taking a lifestyle break and from other colleagues this has never been implemented. Just apply for the break and see what response you get. :)
Will do! i might put 1 weeks holiday in with the lifestyle break so i do get some kind of income in my break!
Hiya, Could anyone help me, I've returned from a career break, after 4 months off, and was wondering if anyone knows where I stand with pay and benefits etc. I was under the impression if you returned you would have the same as if you hadnt left? Any help would be most appreciated, thanks.
purpleloulou27 welcome to VLH, I think you can find the answer(s) in the first page of posts in this thread.
Hi, thanks Nomad.
I've read through from start to finish and cant seem to find the answers. I am already back working, have been for 10 weeks. What im querying is, 14 yrs ago when I started I got paid for sickness and double time for bank hols etc, am I entitled to this now? I've looked on peopleattesco.com and doesnt really give much info but says see leaflet for further details(no one seems to be able to source this leaflet for me :( )
Thanks again
I believe that in taking a career break you resign from the company and have no guarantee of having a position to return to however if one is offered a position and takes up that offer (in a reasonable time frame) then service is considered continuous.
But I'm no expert on this matter.
May I suggest you become a VLH Supporter and get access to the wealth of information in VLH Wiki.
That is correct Nomad, my other half did this and was given her T and Cs back as the same when she went on the break
Thankyou twinkletoes, so i should still be entitled to sick pay and double pay etc?
Nomad, thankyou, i have joined and asked a question to get more info.
Thanks for your help
Read your new contract, it should tell you when your continuous employment began, if they haven't shown you it yet, ask to see it!
What do i need to write on the letter to my manager to request a lifestyle break? something like this?
I would like to book a lifestyle break from xx/xx 2014 to xx/xx 2014
that it? i need to do a copy for me personnel manager too i think
Absolutely right that is all you need to put. That is all I did when I requested a lifestyle break a few years back. Just remember to chase it up and get written confirmation that you can take it. :)
Just a quick question to throw out there, I'm new on this group and haven't worked out how to start a new topic yet... When on a lifestyle break are you allowed to do temporary work elsewhere ? I.e a few part time hours warehouse work through a job agency to earn a few extra pounds? My store were very vague with the policy when I booked my time off and I'd prefer minimal or no contact with them while I'm off so trying to find the answer without doing so... Any info would be much appreciated...
[admin]Welcome to VLH. Re: new topics(not that you would need one for this question) Supporter Benefits (http://www.verylittlehelps.com/index.php?page=15)[/admin]
Does anybody know if it's possible to drop one day temporarily? Only for 3 months?
Known people to to it for health reasons. Manger was happy too as they got someone else to pick up that day temporarily. (-*-)
Thanks Tesco bird. I spoke to personnel and was granted a month of dropping one day, it's not enough really but it's for study. I'm gonna fail my course at this rate. I'm hoping they may extend it if I beg and plead (-*-)
I'm currently on a Lifestyle Break and just have one worry regarding the SAYE scheme.
I've heard it will restart when I return, but I've also heard it will cancel if no payment is made in a 6-week period. Does anyone know which, if any, of these statements are true?
I have looked through terms and conditions but not been able to find any information. Any help is much appreciated.
6 months I think. There is a suspension form on, I think, the our benefits website and I recollect that's what it says.
The wording is a bit ambiguous but I also have the recollection of seeing it in the T&C though I have just noticed that the T&C that I can currently find relate to the S. Ireland and probably not the UK. I don't know if T&C where I have previously seen this were for the UK or S' Ireland
On the "our tesco" site, there is a link to a leaflet called
"Time for you"
If you download that, it will give you most of the details of all breaks/time off that you may need.
It also has on the site, the form 2.11.5 "leave Request Form" that you fill in to formally request the
lifestyle/ career break/adoption time etc etc etc.
Hope that helps.
Does anyone know if you have to give a reason when applying for a lifestyle break?
I don't want to go travelling or anything, just want some time to sort my life out a bit and maybe do some volunteer work but have previously been told I woldn't be allowed one for those reasons.
Whoever told you that is speaking out there ar@e. As long as you fall into the criteria ie satisfactory performer , at least 1 years service and good absence in previous year and give a min 4 weeks notice then you should be fine.
Hi,
Can you get a lifestyle break if someone else on your section is currently on one?
Can you work elsewhere in the break?
Do you have to say why you want time off?
[gmod]Some of the answers you seek are in the earlier pages of this thread.[/gmod]
I was told "actively seeking employment" whist on a lifestyle break was a big no no... But that didn't stop me doing extra days in my part time side job that I never happened to me tin ever before lol.
And yes, you need a valid enough reason. Mine was "I tried to quit, your making me take this"
Yes ,it is fine working elsewhere,and ,no,you do not have to give any reason.
When I took a lifestyle break,I told them that I would be working elsewhere.
Hi if your off sick and waiting on results which are taking longer because of corona can you request to take a lifestyle break?
Not if you're currently on sick leave.
My cousin works in the same store as me as she has been off work since the beginning of COVID19 due to health problems and being told by the government to self-isolate. She has not returned to work as her doctor has said she needs to stay at home until the Vaccine is available. Tesco have been great. She hates being off work as she loves her job but her doctor has said she needs to put her health first and has said if she got COVID19 then the chances are she would not pull through
However, she is suffering from stress due to COVID19 and previous to this she has not had any time off for the 15 years she has worked there. She is currently on sick pay and she is waiting for Tesco occupational health to contact her. Her line manager suggested she goes on a lifestyle break until the COVID19 issue has been resolved and she is safe to return to work. He has said this to safeguard her job as he has suggested that they may not keep the job open for her and may force her to retire early.
I would just like to know if occupational health forces her to retire early what does this mean for her. Her private pension is worthless. She took a lump sum of £7,000 around eight years ago, and she receives £90 per month from her old Tesco pension. She received a statement from her new Tesco pension to say that when she retires she will receive a lump sum of £3,000 and then £1,000 a year. Not a lot for 15 years of service.
She reduced her hours at no fault of her own around four years ago. She had to go from full time to 22 hours or take redundancy. She decided to stay and take the 22 hours.
She is worried at the moment as it has been mentioned that they could pension her off early due to ill health and she does not know where she stands with this.
She would like to know if she receives a pay off if they retire her, or if she should as has been suggested to take a lifestyle break to save her job.
As far as I'm aware occupational health only make recommendations.
A lifestyle break is unpaid. Your friend will have run out of sick pay but that does not matter as its topped up as soon as that happens under the current way of doing things.
This is Normal if she has been off sick for more than the 28 week SSP period , Seems from what you are saying is that she has not gone back to work since the first lockdown in which case she would could be near the end of the 28 week
The grey area on this is that tesco have said they will top up the money if her company sick pay has come to a end but they have not said what will happen if your Goverment SSP sick of 28 weeks has ended , ( from what i understand )
What she should also be doing is making a claim for any Government Benefits she can if her SSP has run out
First step would be to get the Doctor to give her a fit note stating that that she is not to return to work due to her high level chance of contracting the Virus , Also to say that she is suffering from Anxiety
They are very unlikely to pension her off as she and her doctor are not saying that she will never be able to return to her job role or any work role ,
Yes they can dismiss her , But I cant see that happening at this time under the Virus situation , and if her doctor states she has Anxiety then they will take a very very long route to get to that stage since it would end up at a tribunal since anxiety is classed as a disability , and can you see what the papers and media would do to Tesco or anyone else if they did so
Before taking a Life style break , she needs to find out if she will be able to claim any Government benefits since she would be leaving the job her self ,
Me I would go down the route of Doctors fit note stating Virus and ANXIETY FIRST ,then see what they come up with ,
Hope that helps ,
She loves her job and that is why she did not take redunancy when it was offered and accepted a reduction in hours. Even though she can retire in about 16 months, she doesnt want to. She misses her job, but her doctor will not let her go back, and she is suffering from serious stress to the point that her hands shake sometimes.
She has ran out of company sick pay so she is on ssp. She is hoping they don't get rid of her, and is worried if they do get rid of her what she will live off as a single person
I hear you say that she has run out of company sick pay ,so is she classed as CEV if so she can get the money toped up by the company ,
what has her doctor classed her for ? Does she have a letter from National health service to say she should stay at home (shielding letter )?
Or is it a case of her Doctor telling her not to go to work since she would stress more due to her fear of getting the Virus ? At the momment it seems that she is does not have a Letter since Tesco are not toping up her pay ,,
she would only have been entitled to be off "shielding" while it was government recommended so while that happens , all wages will be made up even if out of ssp . When shielding isnt government recommended she would just be off sick and get ssp or when that runs out get nothing . Tesco can take her down the long term absence route if she is not returning to work in between government recommendations which can lead to disciplinary, dismissal or ill-health retirement unless she has HIV, ms or cancer as these are protected under disability law .
The benefit of a lifestyle break is that her pension , death in service and holidays are protected and she should be eligible for ESA if ssp has run out . Noone knows how long it will take to roll out vaccine to the CEV but if she did get vaccine all she has to do is contact work and say she wants to return from lifestyle break early . I agree that Tesco have been very good with the CEV but I don't think it will last forever especially if they're not returning to work inbetween shielding guidelines but it's very frightening for CEV staff to be working with the public .
I was under the impression that lifestyle break meant Tesco doesn't pay you anything but you don't have to work there and keep your benefits, that it's essentially the same as resigning but with a guarantee that you'll get your job back after a predetermined period of being off.
I don't think under any scenario your pension wouldn't be protected, even if you've been dismissed, once it's paid in it's in.
When I say protect your pension, I mean that your pension stays "open" and when you return you start to contribute again . It's not that you're starting another pension which would then mean you e 3 Tesco pensions .
Yes it is unpaid which means you can claim other benefits like ESA or universal credit .
By your pension staying open , you're still eligible for death in service . I dont know if you are eligible for that if not in company pension .
If they are off with health problems classed as CEV / category C high risk by occupational health referral then they will use a holiday every so often while off currently but also be paid CSP, if they run out of CSP it will be SSP but topped up by the company so the person off won't lose out on anything (only if they are back and then go off non covid related before sickness stuff resets on anniversary date of you joining the company)
Regardless of being off currently for 28 weeks or whatever, they shouldn't be looking at I'll health retirement, if they are have been able to return at all while covid has gone on and been deemed by NHS or occupational health that they don't need to continue shielding (tier lower / reduced area infections etc), then there shouldn't be any discussion from work since its not normal long term absence but pandemic related of which company has partly chosen to keep people off if its been allowed still by government.
Career breaks were effective resignation (you were more opted to take this than a lifestyle and molt told that), lifestyle break uses a minimum of 2 weeks as holiday but can use more weeks while off, it's an agreed break for up to 1 year and a return date is given, you only get paid holidays, it's meant to be taken to spend time out travelling etc with savings or as a rest period but not as a period to be used for another job (misconduct if you don't already have that job when you take it), it allows you to still receive benefits from tesco as your still a colleague but an unpaid one, and secures your role unless there is a heatmap change in which on their return should aim to find you a replacement and suitable position.....
Think your pension just gets frozen too for that length your off then starts up again, would have to check policy with it but it'd be protected anyhow.
I'm nearing the end of a lifestyle break taken due to suffering with stress and depression.
My sick pay had ended and I was facing the sack if I didn't take this 12 month lifestyle break.
I'm worried that I'll still be too stick to return on the agreed date.
What will happen if I can't return please?
Quote from: Moldirox on 11-03-22, 01:24PM
I'm nearing the end of a lifestyle break taken due to suffering with stress and depression.
My sick pay had ended and I was facing the sack if I didn't take this 12 month lifestyle break.
I'm worried that I'll still be too stick to return on the agreed date.
What will happen if I can't return please?
Have you sought professional help, at any time, for your illness?
Your mental well-being is first and foremost the most important, you should contact a service such as MIND, as you are beginning to worry going back, and obviously don't think your able or ready to?
Have you been under the treatment and care of your G.P. dealing with your illness? They will know organisations you can't contact to support you in returning to work, or not!
Whose suggestion was it you took a lifestyle break to avoid dismissal, and how have you managed financially without wages, for the last 12 months?
I was under the doctor before my lifestyle break and getting sick notes to give to work.
Since then I have just tried to manage myself.
I haven't received any money since my sick pay ended which was a few weeks before I started my lifestyle break. So no money for over a year.
The lifestyle break was constantly suggested to me as an option by management otherwise my only choices would be to return to work, which I wasn't well enough to or take the lifestyle break for twelve months.
I'm rather concerned that you have had no support or income for 12 months :(
Are you a union member? Has your store been in contact regarding your return?
You should make an appointment with your GP to update your condition, and your ongoing concerns on your health and well-being.
The main thing is you need support, there is help out there, you just have to take the initial first step of contact.
I'm more concerned what will happen to my job if I can't return and go off sick again when my lifestyle break ends. It's causing me so much stress thinking about going back
I'm at a loss as to how to advise further ???
You're obviously getting overawed and stressed with your return to work...as to whether you will be able to cope, or risk getting dismissed?
Your dismissal would be termed on medical grounds...I can't emphasise enough...get professional help and support before your return date!
What I would like to know is if I ring in sick the day before I'm due to return, will I be sacked?
Get a doctors line saying you are unfit to return. Go in for ten minutes work. Then slip it out your pocket and say you wanted to be back but the Doctor is right and you will not be continuing working this shift and they will hear from your Doctor. >:D Our SM had a tactic he would call you in for a meeting and if you couldnt give a return date he'd sack you. You need to play them game. Give them any date go in for 2 minuates then leave they will not know what to do. Best not to go into meeting alone our SM use to pretend GAs were getting aggressive or offending him to dismiss them if he couldn't get rid of them genuinely.
There is not a black and white answer to this. A lifestyle break of between 4 and 52 weeks can be offered to give someone time out to deal with a personal issue outside of work. The best example that springs to mind is to care for a family member during a serious health period. This is not the only reason though. This saves you from going through the long term absence process at the same time as dealing with a difficult personal issue.
At the end of this process it's going to be difficult to return to work. It's a long time to be out of the business and anyone would feel stress and anxiety at coming back. Knowing what you are coming back to might help though. The best thing to do is to contact work and ask if you can talk this through with someone, your manager may be the best person. You could ask for a phased return to work, so you come back on lower hours and build up over a few weeks. I think you need to talk to work before deciding you are not fit to return. If you have a plan to come back to it does make it easier. The thought of coming back is often worse that actually coming back.
If your statutory sick pay had run out, you should have been able to apply for ESA (https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance) and should not have been left with no income . Contact your manager before your lifestyle break ends to discuss a phased return, and request occupational health referral.
Quote from: Redshoes on 13-03-22, 11:09AM
There is not a black and white answer to this. A lifestyle break of between 4 and 52 weeks can be offered to give someone time out to deal with a personal issue outside of work. The best example that springs to mind is to care for a family member during a serious health period. This is not the only reason though. This saves you from going through the long term absence process at the same time as dealing with a difficult personal issue.
At the end of this process it's going to be difficult to return to work. It's a long time to be out of the business and anyone would feel stress and anxiety at coming back. Knowing what you are coming back to might help though. The best thing to do is to contact work and ask if you can talk this through with someone, your manager may be the best person. You could ask for a phased return to work, so you come back on lower hours and build up over a few weeks. I think you need to talk to work before deciding you are not fit to return. If you have a plan to come back to it does make it easier. The thought of coming back is often worse that actually coming back.
Just do the bare minimum and go home. :)
Not sure if I'm in the right place to ask this, I'm struggling to work out how to post.... I was wondering if you're on a lifestyle break and made redundant does it affect how much you would get? Or would it be worked out on what you usually earn?
Thanks 😊
If you read the policy on lifestyle, it says if there's a restructure while your away, you should be fully consulted, in the case of redundancy you should have meetings, as for the pay I'd have thought that would be part of redundancy consultation meetings.
Ok, thanks..... I just wondered if anyone had been in the same position & if they still got a decent package.
I am on sick and instead of being sacked I have asked if I could go on lifestyle to try recover but been denied I think to manage me out of the business was anyone able to go on lifestyle instead if being sacked
Sick supersedes. If it's work related should be occ health, if it's not it's a little dangerous to be giving someone a lifestyle break if something were to happen looks like the company moving a problem
Why do you think you are going to be sacked ?
The long term absence process if followed correctly is about helping you to return to work and exploring any changes that could be made to help.
There are far too many variables to answer your concerns properly here, I would suggest speaking to USDAW, even if you are not already a member you can join and have the support you need.
I am waiting for physiotherapy but the letter from my 1st meeting states that if it looks like I'm unable to return to work they will be looking to terminate employment. hence I asked if lifestyle could be a viable backup to which I got no. I am considering going aboard for treatment as it maybe cheaper but need the assurance that I can do this without a time limit. I've been told Tesco only support 12 month sickness I'm 9 months in and unlikely I'll be back and ready by the deadline.
Without knowing ins and outs of it, it's hard to give advice, and obviously its just your side were hearing, have you been offered reduced hours? different role to help you? with the time frame I'd have thought occupational health would be involved, have they had a say? surely if you return for even half a shift it, l breaks your 9 months up.
They are wanting me back but my role requires me not to be drowsy and with the painkiller I'm on that's not possible at present. I'm certain members have been able tp go on lifestyle breaks while on sick to help the situation but I feel I am being denied that.
You should not know this private information. As such you may not know full story. You can't trust what you have been told either.
Can't find correct page .like to know if you can start a life style break while under a investigation .and when you return is that investigation still alive.thks
You likely wouldn't be able to take one
Depends on the circumstances, if the break was already approved before any investigation began it can be taken but the investigation will resume upon your return, if you apply for one while under investigation it will be refused.
Quote from: Moldirox on 12-03-22, 10:07PMWhat I would like to know is if I ring in sick the day before I'm due to return, will I be sacked?
Long term absence policy would start. But this is the start to returning to work or dismissal due to unable to work.
Next bit is going to sound harsh.
If all avenues have been explored you cannot expect an employer to keep you on indefinitly there has to be a point a decesion is made and you are dismissed.
However depending on your individual circumstances it may be possible for you to take ill health retirement.
In any case you should be asking Tesco to refer you to Occupational Health and seeking their advice on what adjustments can be made to your job to enable you to return to work. Whilst not legally binding Tesco are largely expected to implement their findings.
Quote from: londoner83 on 12-03-23, 05:38AMHowever depending on your individual circumstances it may be possible for you to take ill health retirement.
In any case you should be asking Tesco to refer you to Occupational Health and seeking their advice on what adjustments can be made to your job to enable you to return to work. Whilst not legally binding Tesco are largely expected to implement their findings.
This is a very difficult process. All avenues have had to be exhausted and in a company the size of ours it's expected that we should be able to find a solution. I have seen it denied.
>:D (-*-)
Levenshulme
Can I take a lifestyle break, been here 14 months.
Quote from: Redshoes on 12-03-23, 10:36AMQuote from: londoner83 on 12-03-23, 05:38AMHowever depending on your individual circumstances it may be possible for you to take ill health retirement.
In any case you should be asking Tesco to refer you to Occupational Health and seeking their advice on what adjustments can be made to your job to enable you to return to work. Whilst not legally binding Tesco are largely expected to implement their findings.
This is a very difficult process. All avenues have had to be exhausted and in a company the size of ours it's expected that we should be able to find a solution. I have seen it denied.
Colleague with health issues on grocery "i cant do heavy lifting"
moved to dairy "I can't handle the cold"
moved to bakery "I can't get up in the morning its to early"
moved to checkouts " My anxiety I can't handle dealing with customers"
This is a legit scenario that happened in my store.
If you were running a business would you hire this person?
Yet Tesco HAVE to find them a position.
Quote from: Oscar Manchester on 13-03-23, 01:48PMCan I take a lifestyle break, been here 14 months.
No, you have to have 2 years continuous service before you can take a Lifestyle Break
Quote from: madness on 13-03-23, 05:07PMQuote from: Redshoes on 12-03-23, 10:36AMQuote from: londoner83 on 12-03-23, 05:38AMHowever depending on your individual circumstances it may be possible for you to take ill health retirement.
In any case you should be asking Tesco to refer you to Occupational Health and seeking their advice on what adjustments can be made to your job to enable you to return to work. Whilst not legally binding Tesco are largely expected to implement their findings.
This is a very difficult process. All avenues have had to be exhausted and in a company the size of ours it's expected that we should be able to find a solution. I have seen it denied.
Colleague with health issues on grocery "i cant do heavy lifting"
moved to dairy "I can't handle the cold"
moved to bakery "I can't get up in the morning its to early"
moved to checkouts " My anxiety I can't handle dealing with customers"
This is a legit scenario that happened in my store.
If you were running a business would you hire this person?
Yet Tesco HAVE to find them a position.
I have seen it myself too. It is now on the brink of a change, and at long last. Colleagues may have primary roles but they are not restricted to work in a single area now. If they can't fill shelves or serve customers there is very little else they can do. Add to that that they can't work weekends or evenings and it's no wonder stores ended up with the hours in the wrong place. I once had a colleague demand I give her a CSD job. I said I can't move someone just to find you a role and I have no gaps on the desk. I had another colleague refuse a checkout job when I explained to them that they would have to change hours as we don't have checkout colleagues in store two hours before the store opens to customers.
It comes down to either the role or the hours. You are probably not going to get the pick of both, some bending has to be done on both sides but we really can't afford to pay any colleague to do a made up job that is not needed in store.
End of the day Tesco could sack you for not fulfilling your contract. To be able to sue you would have to show the alternative positions they offered you are totally unreasonable....
If you can only do a sitting down checkout job is it unreasonable to ask you to move your hours to times that the store is actually open to customers?
If the company provides thermals, warm clothing, allows you a extra break to get hot drinks etc is it unreasonable to ask you to fill chilled?
If you are moved to the bakery is it unreasonable to ask you to work early shifts when bread is actually produced?
As you work in the service industry is it unreasonable to expect you to interact with customers?
As we are busiest at the weekend is it unreasonable for Tesco to expect you to work some of your shifts then (if there is no legitimate reason why you can't other than I want my weekends off).
Yes as a large employer we are expected to try and accommodate employee requests but the colleague also needs to have realistic expectations around what roles we can offer.
I want to take a lifestyle break because I'm totally at my limit with work, too much is expected of me for my role and I don't enjoy it any more and I work full time so the dread of going to work can take over my thoughts. Obviously can't put that in my request so can I just put mental health or will they force me through sickness instead ?
Why not just put personal problems that you don't want to discuss! As you won't be paid for it I would think they would accept it! 😊
Quote from: trivi on 29-03-23, 09:46PMI want to take a lifestyle break because I'm totally at my limit with work, too much is expected of me for my role and I don't enjoy it any more and I work full time so the dread of going to work can take over my thoughts. Obviously can't put that in my request so can I just put mental health or will they force me through sickness instead ?
what department are you on? pointless taking a career break if you feel that bad jsut change jobs plenty out there.
Question about lifestyle breaks - I am currently on one (been off 9 months) and due back in July. When I went off, I had more or less taken annual leave equiv to the 3 months I was there (i.e. about 25% of my allocation).
I believed that having read the Lifestyle break policy that I would be paid my outstanding statutory leave at the end of the holiday year - just checked my payslip for tomorrow and it is still zero.
anyone have any experience of this?
Found the policy:
Do I still earn holiday whilst I am on a Lifestyle Break?
Yes. You will continue to earn statutory holiday (5.6 weeks or 28 days for a five-day worker) whilst you are on a Lifestyle Break, but you will not earn any additional contractual holiday entitlement. The holiday you earn whilst you are away will be paid to you at two points in the year.
For example, if you were taking 52 weeks off you would earn 5.6 weeks holiday during your Lifestyle Break. You will receive pay for this holiday at specific points during the year:
On the first payday following 31st March for any holiday accrued in the holiday year finishing 31st March.
On the first payday following your return from your Lifestyle Break for holiday earned whilst you were on a Lifestyle Break from 1st April.
So - maybe our wages dept are literally taking the wording at face value - so even though tomorrows pay includes "pay up to 1st April" - because tomorrow is 31 March and therefore is not the "first payday following 31 March" - then I guess I might not see it for another 4 weeks.
Yes, your accrued holiday will be in your next payslip. It's got nothing to do with your wages department. It's all done centrally via work and pay systems.
Wages dept has little impact and going forward I suspect they will have even less.
If you've got holiday pre booked do you still get paid that during a break? As in off May - September and have a week off booked for July and August
Yes, for lifestyle breaks you take a minimum of 2 weeks off and then you can take as many other weeks, since your unpaid for the time off, it's wise to use the remaining holiday you have if you are aiming to take the full year, if however your planning on returning sooner then plan accordingly so you have time to book etc to be honest.
Quote from: trivi on 01-04-23, 06:21PMIf you've got holiday pre booked do you still get paid that during a break? As in off May - September and have a week off booked for July and August
No this is no longer the policy. You should take/manager should ensure you have taken your earned holidays before your LSB starts. The whole break is unpaid and upon your return your earned statutory holidays are aumatically paid. Unless, as previous post said, it goes over the end of the holiday year.
I am currently on a lifestyle break and I am only contracted Sunday's, I'm not sure if I will go back yet. Does anyone know if I will have to pay back the Sunday premium payment I can't find anything on policies
Due back from LSB in about 5 weeks - whose "responsibility" is it to "touch base" to discuss return? Should I hear from Manager/Tesco? I know my manager has left during my LSB - I assume my name will simply reappear on rotas?
@barafear for the sake of a phone call I'd contact your store if the previous manager left, just to avoid confusion for yourself.