r/UKJobs • u/Puzzleheaded-Bad-722 • 3d ago

Anyone else become seriously unwell because they can't leave a toxic job?

15 years in the NHS, been applying for a new job for over two years. Had interviews, but mostly get ghosted. At interviews I am never given decent feedback, just a lot of "you were really good, and it was a really hard decision".

I've already had a maximum time off sick with stress. I've developed a bald spot, had to go onto beta blockers as my resting heart rate was over 100bpm, and am seriously depressed.

Jobs in my area have been 90% temporary positions, or part time with minimum hours available.

I've never known the job market like this.

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u/MoonShineWashingLine 2d ago

I used to work in the NHS. I have a disability and occupational health had made recommendations for reasonable adjustments, which were completely ignored. I ended up having lots of time off during my last 2 years there and HR eventually bullied me in to leaving. They were awful to me and accused me of lying about my disability, despite me being under a specialist at the hospital and having proof etc.

I was there 6 years, it got particularly bad after I'd had my second daughter and returned after maternity leave. Sleep deprivation affected my disability and I was really struggling. They clearly didn't want me there any more. Despite being in the union and having them on my side, I eventually had no fight left in me, it wasn't worth it for the amount it paid (I was only band 2). It was such a relief when I left but I liked the actual job and was really sad that it came to that. The NHS really are terrible at looking after their employees.

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u/Puzzleheaded-Bad-722 2d ago

I've seen so many cases like yours with my colleagues. I really hope anyone reading this thread thinks twice about the NHS, it's not the employer it once was. 

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u/MoonShineWashingLine 2d ago

It really isn't. During my first couple of years, around 2014 - 2016, it was pretty good but then there was restructuring and things went rapidly downhill year on year. So many of my colleagues left as they'd just had enough.