Why has the tier advice for the clinically extremely vulnerable not been updated yet. I was advised by my GP to shield through the 2nd lock down and my employer is expecting me back to work on the 3rd. I have a return to work interview on Monday so we can agree what’s required for me return safety. This is something that I insisted they set up.
But with no update I don’t know what is expected of my employer.
Written by
MikeMaxi
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I know shielding stops on the 2nd but they haven’t updated the guidelines for the new tiers for people that are clinically extremely vulnerable.
This what it says
“What tiers mean
This guidance sets out what you can and cannot do in each tier.
“There is separate guidance for households with a possible or confirmed coronavirus infection and additional advice at each tier will be provided shortly for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus.”
You are not advised to follow this revised shielding advice unless you receive a new shielding notification advising you to do so.
We may advise more restrictive formal shielding measures for the clinically extremely vulnerable in the worst affected Tier 3 areas, based on advice from the Chief Medical Officer. This will only apply to some Tier 3 areas, and the government will write to you separately to inform you if you are advised to shield."
Under Further advice Tier 3 is does state in the section Work ( following on from the Shielding section ) if you cannot work from home you should not go to work.
It does not give clarity if you lived in a lower Tier but worked in Tier 3
Your employer is responsible for providing you with a covid safe working environment regardless of the tier system. If they can't then they should consider a change of duties or working from home. Large employers will probably have access to occupational health advice on how to provide a covid safe environment, especially for those who are clinically vulnerable. If your employer doesn't have such OH services then you can contact Access to Work, a free government scheme, that provides occupational health services and advice. gov.uk/access-to-workIf you're in a union then you can also seek support from them if you think you need a representative when talking to your employer.
I wouldn't get hung up on tiers as you should expect the safest possible working environment whatever tier you're in. Working from home, if possible, is advised. Some employers have decided to furlough their staff who are considered CEV. There are a variety of options and definitely something to explore with your employer and occupational health.
I received a letter from the government with updated advise, basically follow your tier advice but be more careful in the amount of people you are around. If in tier 2, work from home if you can, if not go to work. Try not to go on public transport. Other than that, it was think really carefully if you want to spend Christmas with others.
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