employment and Permanent health insurance

[juboy1]

Hi I work for a large british insurance company I have been on long term sick since 2001 after having a breakdown at work due to bullying it effected me more than most as I have suffered from depression and anxiety problems for many years and this is why I was singled out in the office as i had been off for the same illness several times before. Previously I had a gradual return to work on reduced hours to help me cope and this is all documented in my medical and HR history from work. I have been recieving Phi payments from a Permanent Health Insurance policy which was provided to all employees as part of my contract with yearly reviews from my doctor he has always stated that due to my depression which I still recieve medication and specilist help for I can not return to work in my previous role as it was very stressfull and it would make my condition much worse.. This year they decided not to ask my GPs opinion on my health but to just obtain my medical records instead. In my records for this year it shows that I had been struggling with my illness and had asked the GP for help as I had been drinking a bottle of wine every evening to help me cope. He refered me to a counselling team who have been helping me with this and my depression for the last year. The insurance company who is also my employer say that in the terms and conditions if your illness is caused by alcohol they will cancel the payments. Ihave appealed against this my Gp and councellor have written letters stating that my illness is not caused by the alcohol and that the reason I can not return to work is due to my depression. They have now said that they are going to end my employment as I am unfit to work and their specialist medical officer says his decision is final. I have never been examined by this doctor or any independent specialist so can they make these decisions when my Gp who see's me every few months and my counsellor who see's me every week totally disagree with what they are saying.Please help as I dont know who to ask for help. HR should be helping but as the insurer is also my employer they will not assist me. The financial ombudsman will not help as they say it is an employment matter not insurance. If they end my employment can I sue them for breach of contract as my doctor says my illness is not caused by alcohol (i have been on medication for depression since 12 years of age) and also unfair dismissal as they should not terminate my contract if i am entitled to PHI payments? I am 45 years old and the insurance should pay out until I can return to work or normal retirement age.