Is a letter for employer required?

[Froggie70]

Hi all

Looking at the information recently posted by PMRpro (thank you again) I see in the NBSR guidelines flow chart that I fall into the Moderate risk category (am on 22.5 mg Methotrexate and last steroid injection was end of November so am just clear of the steroid in the last 3 months risk factor although having small multiple flares so not fully under control). I assume therefore I won’t receive one of the government letters but wonder what I do with regards to work. My employer can’t provide me with a laptop to work from home and I have to travel 40 minutes twice a day on public transport so not happy about having to go into the office. My Dad has neutropenia and his consultant said under no circumstances should I be out the house.

Basically does anyone know what I’m required to give to my employer to prove this? Unfortunately I’ve used up quite a bit of sick leave as I was ill a lot last year so not keen to keep being signed off as I may soon move to half pay and also because this situation is out with my control.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

[happytulip]

Do you have the support of a union?

[Froggie70 in reply to happytulip]

Hi yes, I will check their website and/or give them a call. Looking at Lupiknits reply and think I will check with GP too. Thanks, stay safe 🙂

[Lupiknits]

Does your GP practice have a website? Mind is offering some kind of auto letters for patients. Otherwise ( if you can get through) your GP could help.

Otherwise, a union rep if you have one x

[Froggie70 in reply to Lupiknits]

Thank you. Both sound advice from your good self and happytulip. Will get on to this today. Stay safe 🙂

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Froggie70 ,

Have you spoken with your employer about what they may need in the way of evidence and when? At the moment a lot of these decisions come down to the discretion of the employer because the situation is unprecedented. ACAS are calling on employers to be flexible when it comes to requesting sick/fit notes because of how pressured the NHS is.

[Froggie70]

Hi Paul. Thanks for replying.

Work haven’t been in touch again as my line isn’t up until mid April, I did text my boss about an unrelated matter but he has still to come back to me.

I did however find an update on our regional NHS site today that is quite comprehensive and I feel will cover the situation as it states we should be undertaking full social isolation so will send him a link to the website and confirm I am able to work from home but need their support to do so. I created a separate post for anyone covered by this health board but I’ve attached here for info too.

nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/...

Thanks again and congratulations on your news today.