Coronavirus / employment guidance needed

Hi,

So sorry to hear about your situation, I understand how terrified you are. I’m also in the same boat, however my employer are allowing me to work from home so I’m one of the lucky ones.

Im also a sole carer for my dad who is terminal and even though I’m working from home I have to go out to get him supplies so essentially I’m still putting him at risk. It’s awful and making me extremely paranoid.

I have read this today...some people who are particularly at risk will be receiving a letter from the NHS. If this is your mum I’m pretty sure this reads that your employer has to pay you whilst you work from home. Please see below and follow the link to the gov.uk website and see if it helps give you any info.

“For anyone who receives the letter from NHS England asking you to stay home for 12 weeks, should be offered to work from home. If this isn’t possible you should be treated by your employer as medically suspended under ERA 96 Section 64 and receive full 100% pay. This includes those who receive annual flu jab as well as carers. This applied to all employees with at least one months service”

www.gov.uk/medical-suspensions-from-work

I hope this helps and take care Xx

Thank you for this - it is helpful. I note this is NHS England but suspect the same will apply in Scotland - where mum and I are. 

We are expecting a letter  in relation to mum - the consultant actually said that she would be receiving a letter shortly regarding it. 

I will await the letter - can I just check - have you / your Dad received the letter? Just  want to confirm that it applies to carers x

Oh sorry didn’t realize you are in Scotland but I’m sure it will still apply - I hope it does!

No we haven’t received the letter yet. I need to check in again with his oncologist and even if we can still go for treatment. 

I’ll post back once the letter arrived and let you know what it says.

Hang in there we are doing the best we can each day x

Thank you so much... honestly I need people like you just now to help me make sense of it all

I’ll be honest I’ve had a really bad day today with worrying about dad. I’m not really making sense I don’t think but so glad to help. If you also get the letter please will you let me know X

Hi Claire MF, It's easy to understand your worry. My son is in the same situation with his daughter and he got a laptop after telling his manager he would hold him personally responsible if his daughter got coronavirus. Could you try insisting? You have that right given government guidance. Please let us know how you get on.

Stay safe,

Say you are contacting your m.p and the local newspaper .Government advice is to protect the vunerable and that in turn protects the NHS . Also could a local or national firm be contacted with a view to donating a laptop for you ? .Sometimes you have to kickass a bit .These are exceptional circumstances but one thing us carers are good at is fighting for our loved ones good luck to us all x

Good one Granny Sue

Thank you for your suggestions, I am due back at work tomorrow- I have already put in a formal request to HR regarding the situation.

 My plan is to speak to my bosses boss tomorrow with a view of being stronger and more direct.  I was hoping to hide behind the letter that mum is due to receive, so if anyone gets it first let me know and I will do likewise.

failing that I may speak to my GP with a view to being signed off if possible (although I don’t want to go down this route,. I can work and look after mum if I get the tools!)