Covid 19 At Risk Group - Sick Line For Work

[Shann07]

Hi everyone

I have SLE, restrictive lung disease, chronic PE, among a host of other overlapping diseases. I work in a Health Centre for the NHS and I have been off work this week, through fear of contracting the virus, and to keep away from others. Everyday I struggle just to take a deep breath, as I have also lung scarring. I phoned my GP this morning and just spoke to a locum who dosent know me very well. This locum said she cant sign me off as government has not give clear guidelines yet for my category? She said she advises me to stay at home but cant do a sick line, even though I said my lupus is flaring with the anxiety and stress of all this? Where does this leave me now with work? I have self certed but this runs out tomorrow. Im immunosupressed etc, anyone else in this sutuation? Will i lose my job? Will i get any pay? So stressful 😌

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Shann07 ,

If you have lung scarring then surely that would count as a "chronic (long-term) respiratory disease" according to the government guidance at gov.uk/government/publicati...

Employers are being urged by ACAS to be more flexible in their requirements for sick-notes because those who are self-isolating are unable to get them. You may find their guidance helpful? - acas.org.uk/coronavirus

[Shann07 in reply to Paul_Howard]

Hi Paul thanks for this, I would of thought my conditions would fall into some category as well, if it is ‘respirtory illness’ does this mean I should be issued with a sick line? thank you for your input and useful links. Such a worrying time for us all!

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Shann07]

Hi Shann07 . I'm really sorry but I don't understand your question. What do you mean by 'sick line' please?

[Shann07 in reply to Paul_Howard]

Sorry Paul, I mean a sickness certificate issued from the GP to sign me off work. Otherwise my employer (NHS) expects me to return, as far as I know ‘front line staff’ are considered exempt from work if they have a serious underlying medical condition. I am admin staff and apparantly dont fall into that category as I dont deal directly with patient care, although I work in a health centre. I feel it is too risky for me as Im working alongside nurses etc who deal with the sick in the community. Im so anxious as my lung function is 70% and just breathing for me normally can be a struggle.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Shann07]

Hi Shann07 ,

You shouldn't need a sick note (or similar) from your doctor. Your employer should be taking every measure possible to protect you. Would you be able to perform much of your role from home? If so, they should do what they can to set you up for remote working.

[Shann07 in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thanks Paul. I have phoned my occupational health dept for advice, so waiting on them coming back. Unfortunately the nature of my work means working from home isnt an option. I am not going into work, I cant put myself at such risk, so dont know where i stand! Thanks for your help!

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Shann07]

Let us know how you get on with occupational health. I hope that they are able to support you in self-isolating.

[Sezvic in reply to Shann07]

Hi Shann07, I work in NHS also. Let me know what your occupational department told you. In my trust all pregnant women and over 70’s have been told to stay at home. Underlying condition will assessed by occupational department. PM if you don’t mind please.

[Shann07 in reply to Sezvic]

Hi Sezvic, I will PM you x