Any advice on coronavirus

[Lonely21]

Really really do not feel safe going out into community to the point that I'm giving in my job if they insist that I keep continuing working would like to know other peoples views on how they are managing as I have three underlying health conditions that I think put me in a high risk bracket

[tree_shadow]

I am also in high risk bracket. Severe Lupus (goes for my respiratory system at least), ITP, Hypothyroidism, Asplenic.

Luckily I work in software so can work from home indefinitely. So I am already self isolating.

I am in London.

[happytulip]

Hi, are you in the UK? If you quit your job you won't be eligible for help from the DWP for 3 months (I think). This sounds awful but it would be better if you got dismissed. It's very extreme but I'm not sure of the legal implications given the current climate. Things are changing day to day with speed. Soon anyone who fits a high risk category may be told by the govt to stay at home. In which case you will be protected somehow I am sure.

[tree_shadow]

If you are in the UK and you have some annual leave you could take some now. Or if you are feeling ill some sick leave. In a week or two the government is going to declare that we as vulnerable should self-isolate. So if you can stitch across the time with annual leave and sick leave (if feeling unwell), then probably some protections will arise at that point? Just guessing.

[happytulip]

I've just checked online (BBC website). It says that if you have to stop working for public health reasons you can claim employment support allowance (ESA). But you usually can't claim that straight away if you quit.

[Froggie70]

Hi, I received an email from Unite with guidance booklet for those working, it states the following-

Am I protected under the Equality Act?

Disability

If an employee has a disability within the meaning of the Act and that disability results in a higher risk of developing severe COVID – 19, such as those with a compromised immune system reasonable adjustments will need to be implemented. This could be accommodated for example by working from home, paid leave and so on.

Hope this helps and take care.

[Forgot2mention]

Hi, lonely 21. Can you not speak to your employers about your concerns? I would have thought most employers would rather have people isolate rather than lose people altogether. How about a sick note from gp, at least you would get ssp, i know it’s not much but better than nothing. Time employers started looking at vulnerable people to see how to manage you. Hope you don’t have to give up your jo.

[Sin123]

My rheumatologist sent this link over with current advice for lupus patients:

rheumatology.org.uk/news-po...

Worth a read and hope it helps. x