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Phil Smith, 50, lives in Ipswich. He has spinal problems and osteoarthritis in his hips.
‘In my early twenties I was a joiner by trade. In those days all the machines were at the same height – I was continually bent over. I had a prolapsed disc and couldn’t walk. I had an operation and everything was hunky dory until my mid 40s.
I’m unemployed, on Disability Living Allowance and Incapacity Benefit. The Government wants to get disabled people into work, but it’s not that simple. I’ve registered with a company to try to get back into work. I’ll have to do admin work because I can’t do any manual work. I can’t lift, but then I can’t sit for very long either. You’ve got to find a very understanding company.
I’ve started filling in job application forms. I’m half afraid to declare my disability but you’ve got to. When you’ve got spinal and hip problems it’s not a visible disability, but some days I can’t leave the house.
I’ve no idea how being in work will affect my health. I do voluntary admin work, but there’s a big difference between doing work at home at my pace and being in paid employment, when there are targets and deadlines.
Ipswich Hospital has a pain management clinic. I did an eight-week seminar there. They taught us if you think you can sit down for 20 minutes, set a timer for 15 minutes and have a break before you feel problems. I’m terrible though, I just switch mine off and carry on.
I’d rather be in work than on benefits. I applied for a job where the form said if you’re disabled and meet all the requirements you’re guaranteed an interview. I ticked all the boxes but didn’t get an interview.’
