Does anyone know why I’m not receiving the govt texts anymore

[Abc64]

I had texts regularly until April the 4th , and had nothing since. I would like them to continue. My gp practice doesn’t know why they stopped, or how to start them again. Has anyone gone the answer please?

[Gilly100]

I haven't had any for weeks and weeks.

[twinkly29]

Neither has anyone I know who is shielding either. A friend who was added by her GP about 3 weeks ago received a few after that but only the ones I had right at the beginning. I had 9 between 23rd and 29th March but nothing since.

[Troilus in reply to twinkly29]

I got a lot in the beginning. I suppose they told us everything we needed to know. I assume they will resume if there are any changes.

[twinkly29 in reply to Troilus]

Yes indeed. After the very first one saying to shield and a letter would follow, the premis seemed to be "helpful" hints and "don't feel isolated". Obviously after that they ran out of things to say - and presumably felt people knew what to do. I'm sure the odd one will appear once they update the guidelines though.

[Abc64 in reply to twinkly29]

My boss was expecting me back the middle of June. She didn’t even know, and I’m a nurse working in a hospital setting.

[twinkly29 in reply to Abc64]

The texts aren't really anything to do with shielding though, other than a quick means of letting some people know in the beginning. Anyone working in the NHS won't be party to them unless they have received them themselves, or know someone who has.

At the moment shielding is til 30th June - that info is on the recent NHS and Gov advice. The government will update before then with further advice for all or some people.

[a6gelaj76e in reply to Abc64]

Mine was too, but it's been extended 'til 31st July!

[Lord-Splashy in reply to a6gelaj76e]

Snap, I got the original letter then one from gov then one from GP/NHS saying end of July which makes it hard to know what or when we should stop! I’ve sent in a question to the press briefings thing but 4 days later nothing and they say if chosen you will hear from them within 3 days - I guess we are low down on there list of things!!!

[Abc64 in reply to Lord-Splashy]

I sent a message too, but nothing. Mine said 12 weeks, which would put it as going out in 2 weeks. It’s only because I looked at recent government advice that I saw it is the 30th June. I find it confusing that everyone has been told different things, that’s why the text messages were so good. There were some negative texts too, saying pack a bag, in case you need to go to hospital, but on the whole, they were ok. I’ve also looked to see if there’s a number to call, but those are only if you need help. Not even anything new on asthma uk.

[a6gelaj76e in reply to Lord-Splashy]

Hi Lord-Splashy,

I didn't get a letter from GP/NHS about being furloughed 'til 31st July, my boss told me yesterday! I'm just worried that I'm going to be made redundant if it goes on too long! 🙁

[Lord-Splashy in reply to a6gelaj76e]

Hey,

So did you not get a letter telling you to shield for 12 weeks at all?

As for your boss, I think that they can’t just fire you like that. Under disability discrimination and employment law they would have to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ before they could even go down that road. You should have an employee handbook which states the organisations policies and procedures. From memory I think you have to have been on sick leave then taken through the sickness absence policy for long term sickness - my old place had stage 1-2-final hearing and there was 12 weeks between each stage. The reasonable adjustments are judged on what is reasonable to the employer/ employee eg putting in a ramp is reasonable but spending £1mill on something wouldn’t be if that makes sense?

If in any doubt speak to the CAB and ACAS.

Take care

Splashy

[a6gelaj76e in reply to Lord-Splashy]

Hi Lord-Splashy,

I did get a letter from GOV.UK to self isolate for 12 weeks, I didn't get a letter to say it'd been extended 'til 31st July. They've been brilliant! They haven't threatened to sack me, it's just me worrying that if furlough is extended beyond 31st July, will my company be able to keep us on!

[Biggie_McDick]

I have only ever received two texts.

on on 4th April and another on 9th April

I had assumed that they had stopped sending texts

[CDPO16]

I had loads of messages too at first then suddenly nothing. It would have been very useful to have been sent a text with the new date for shielding to be reviewed (30th June). I only found out about this from a forum member who recently gave a government web address about the update.

[Abc64]

They should really have sent one when the shielding date was changed. How are we supposed to know if no one tells us.

[a6gelaj76e]

Hi Abc64,

I stopped receiving them a while ago, so I imagine it's the same as everyone else!

[Lullabelle_18]

I’m the same, had several texts in the beginning but have just checked and the last one was received 29th March. But like others have mentioned it would’ve been nice for them to text to say it had been extended to end of June. What about people who don’t have access to the internet or have very limited knowledge of using it, how are they supposed to know?

[Poobah]

Last text I had was 3 April. I've assumed that as we have been given all the info re shielding that nothing has changed for that group. No doubt there will be more once there is an extension to the 12 week period, mid June.

Matt Hancock was asked around 6 May about shielding and he said there would be an extension based on medical advice.

[Abc64]

On the government website, it says 30 th June now.

[Hidden]

I am sorry I don't have the answer why they stopped. I suspect it is down to government priorities changing. If you receive additional messages please be aware that there are scammers texting false, misleading, dangerous and potentially life threatening. I received one such message this last week. Sorry I couldn't answer your question.

[Blue-Breeze]

I've just checked my text messages. Last UK gov was 3 April. Last NHS was 29th March. All texts advice. My letter was to shield for 12 weeks and I have not had anything more. My CNS phoned early in March and said yes to Shield and My practice phoned last week to see how I was doing.

[Abc64]

Look at govt advice for shielding on their website. The time is increased to the 30th June.

[Meliko]

I'm really glad to see we're all in the same boat! Fingers crossed they text us when they extend it so we all know straightway.

[Abc64]

Already extended to the 30th June on the government website.