Advice regarding returning to work during Covid Pandemic
The government advice on the 11th May regarding relaxing the lockdown has caused a lot of confusion. Employers and employees are understandably anxious about whether it is safe to open up.
The essentials of the advice are as follows:
If you are in an extremely vulnerable group (and you will have had a letter from the government or the surgery telling you that you are in this group) then
· you should continue shielding yourself until the 30th June at least
· you should not be returning to your workplace (but it is safe to work from home)
· people who live with you do not have to shield themselves but must practice safe distancing. If they cannot practice safe distancing (eg children at school, work place not organised for it), then they should not be returning to school or work until the situation improves.
· More information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
If you are not in the extremely vulnerable group then
· If you can work from home, then you should continue doing that·
If you cannot work from home, then you need to discuss it with your employer to see what support they can give you to ensure safe-distancing
· If you or your employer do not think they can provide a safe-distancing arrangement, you need to discuss your position with your employer. This is not a medical issue.
· If you do not agree with your employer’s request to return to work, this needs to be something you need to discuss with your employer or union.
Can the doctor give a sick note to say you should not return to work?
The doctor can only give a sick note if you are medically unfit to work. Disputes between employers and employees regarding distancing arrangements are not something the doctors can issue sick notes for.
Can I still take time off work if I or a family member develops symptoms of Covid 19?
The situation has not changed regarding what you should do if you develop a fever or cough or if a family member does. If you think you have Covid 19, you should self-isolate for 7 days, and family members should self-isolate for 14 days.
You do not need to see the doctor to take time of work under these circumstance – you can apply for an Isolation note from NHS111 at https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested
You can ask to be tested if:
You work in the NHS or social care and do or do not have symptoms (depending on latest NHS guidance)
You are an essential worker with symptoms (see the full list of essential workers)
You are over 65 with symptoms
You have symptoms and are going to work and cannot work from home (for example, construction workers, shop workers, emergency plumbers and delivery drivers)
You are anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus and lives with any of those in the above groups