Thanks guys I've been on a bit of a downer but I spent some quality time over the weekend with my family and know that I've got to stay positive. Quite a few years ago one guy at my company had a serious accident and was on disability for 6 years, he had his disability money stopped and came back to the firm asking for a job and they found him one in the radio room. eventually he was made redundant but at least they game him a job. Another guy broke his back in a hang gliding accident and was out of work for 10 years, he was a fitter and one day he came back asking for a job, any job, when they found out he used to be a fitter they created a vacancy for him. This was of course before they were taken over by this worldwide firm, I don't know of anyone that has been in this position but most people say "they shouldn't be allowed to get away with it". If I knew that my job was safe I could devote all my energy to getting better, thanks once again and I'll keep you informed just so that others can learn from my experience.

I have worked for the same firm for more than 30 years and it was taken over by a big multi-national company 4 years ago but prior to that it was still a very large multi-national company. 2 months ago my world caved in when I found out I had cancer, without going into too much detail I think my chances are reasonably good, I have had surgery but have to go back in hospital next month for more surgery. It is as I'm sure you will understand a very worrying time for me and my wife. My question is, the firm I work for pays full pay for 6 months then you go on retention for 6 weeks, then as one of my bosses said to me on the phone last week, "Basicly you are out of work". I need to know what my rights are. What would happen if I make a recovery but it takes 12 or 18 months? He said they might offer me a job (he didn't say my job) but I am convinced he was probably shrugging his shoulders while he said it. I am not looking for a redundancy payment and I would hate to think all my 30 years service would be lost due to circumstances beyond my control. Finally and I haven't mentioned this to my wife, if I die whilst still in employment my wife would get 3 or 4 years wages, surely it wouldn't be fair for her to lose out all that money just for the sake of a few months. This is of course worst case senario but if the boss hadn't been so 'matter of fact' on the phone I wouldn't be thinking this way. What happens if someone takes 18 months off work to look after a partner that later dies, would they be entitled to return to their job? Any advice would be welcome.