Urgent advice please

[Dwileman67]

Been advised I have to return to work as they can't won't facilitate my working from home. I'm a registrar births deaths etc. Have severe asthma just finished steroid and antibiotics. Asthma is bad at the moment. They can't protect me from other staff. No letter from gvmt yet. Nhs 111 no help. Gp refers me to nhs 111. Can they force me back ...

[GYPSYMITCH]

Do you have a union rep, assume you work for a council? If so talk to your rep, other suggestions are to see if you can get a letter from your GP saying you need to self isolate as you’re at high risk. Or, contact your local newspaper and see if this is a human interest story. Or, contact your local citizens advice bureau to see legally what your options are.. good luck. X

[GYPSYMITCH]

Also this article will help if you show to your employer x x

asthma.org.uk/advice/trigge...

[Dwileman67 in reply to GYPSYMITCH]

Thanks

[CDPO16]

Hi, I too wondered if you were in a union. I really don't know if your employer can insist on your return to work or not. Perhaps Asthma UK could advise if you phone their helpline on Monday. Best wishes.

[Dwileman67 in reply to CDPO16]

Thanks

[vicky1965]

Can you get any advice from Occupational Health?

[R1100S1]

Have you checked if your asthma is classified as severe ? I received both the text and letter this week.

The letter actually states that it is a sick note for your employer!

[Dwileman67 in reply to R1100S1]

No but on steriods and high dosage seretide . Will contact drs thanks

[Poobah]

So the council has made a decision that you are a key worker. But this does not void their legal duty of care towards you. There are two pieces of legislation at work here - health and safety at work plus the Equality Act 2010. Both offer you protection in the workplace.

Talk to your manager and ask that reasonable adjustments are put in place prior to your return to work so that you can practice strict social distancing. They will have an occupational health team to assess the workplace in light of your risk as an asthmatic. The fact that you have just been off work with asthma and treated with steroids and antibiotics highlights the risks if you are exposed to coronavirus. The occupational health reviewer must take this into account in their assessment.

The key word is reasonable. It is reasonable to expect to be safe at work.

[Dwileman67 in reply to Poobah]

Thanks. This is all useful. But unfortunately I feel I'm being pitched into a situation there will be no coming back from.. Stay safe people

[Poobah in reply to Dwileman67]

It's hard to resist pressure from an employer who are under pressure themselves. This is when they take shortcuts and poor decisions.

Say you're happy to return to work once adjustments are made as the last thing you and your employer wants is for you to go off sick again.

It's an art to sound positive and cooperative when you're actually saying "no". And you don't win any medals for putting your health at risk.

🤗

[persil]

Hi I was a registrar but after 12 years i left because although they put some things in place I was never allowed any sick I have underlying health conditions including asthma. I now work for a different firm big pay cut but I'm healthier. So worth a thought. Xx

[CRP386]

NHS Digital who created the list (digital.nhs.uk/coronavirus/... state the following: "We expect GPs and hospital doctors to add around 600,000 other patients to the list, to give a total number of approximately 1.5 million."

****So please speak to your GP/clinician. You can also register yourself here (they will ask for your NHS number, found on a prescription or hospital letter, but it is not essential to register with) gov.uk/coronavirus-extremel...

[Dwileman67 in reply to CRP386]

Thanks I have just done this.

[StanChad]

My son is classed as a key worker as he works in a High St Bank. He went into isolation last Sunday after working his last shift on Saturday. He got his NHS letter this week for his Severe Asthma and the Bank requested a copy for HR purposes. They seem happy wit h that at the moment.

[Sherrill]

I would refuse to go back due to being at serious risk. I believe if you are on strong steroids you should be on the list , so speak to your Gp tomorrow. Even if you can’t get a sick note which I believe you will, please don’t go back, you would be in far too much danger, you will be handling paper which will be touched by someone else who may have the disease without knowing it. You will be in a closed room in close proximity to people not good, you may also share desks, your health is far too important as well as your life. They will not be able to provide you with a safe place to work. Think of your family do not be bullied.

I am sure your GP will give you a sick note.