Staying safe

[poly2]

Hi all. Just wanted to let you all know. I have spoken to my managers at work today and they have agreed that the clinically extremely vulnerable should not have been sent back to work unless they felt they wanted to and should have been given the option. I sent them the advice from blood cancer uk and they have agreed to me staying off work until i either get the vaccine or until we come out of tier 3. Just glad i work for an understanding company and hope that anyone else out there who feels scared to go back to work gets the same response. Take care and stay safe.

[Dazakella2010]

That’s really good.... your employer sounds very caring and understanding

[Ebot]

Good for you. So glad you spoke to your managers and that you got a positive outcome.

[JediReject]

Great news. Nothing ventured nothing gained. Your employer is being very responsible and must be an Investor in People which was just one of many initiatives in the workplace when I was an office waller in a previous life . . . . Better safe than ?

Chris

[harleydavidson]

Hi pol2. I have been told that I have to go back in to the office on Monday. So concerned that I had my first ever panic attack. 🥺

[poly2 in reply to harleydavidson]

Hi. That's really not good at all. Have you expressed your concerns. There is a list for employers on the blood cancer uk website which explains why blood cancer patients are more at risk. I sent it to my employer who was grateful as it gives them more of an idea how the condition effects us. Not sure how to copy it on to this site though sorry. Hope you manage to get it sorted as I'm sure you don't need the added stress. Please keep us posted as to how you get on.

[harleydavidson in reply to poly2]

Thank you x

[poly2 in reply to harleydavidson]

The only other thing I can suggest is to get a sick note but i don't believe we should have to do that. Take care and stay safe

[harleydavidson in reply to poly2]

Thank you but I couldn’t survive on SSP. You take care of yourself too. X

[Paul_1971 in reply to harleydavidson]

Hi, Have you been able to work from home at all?

If so the advice is no different now, everyone should work from home wherever possible.

If you havent worked at home has the option been explored. Remember under the equality act your employer should make any reasonable adjustments.

Of course appreciate its not possible for everyone to work from home.

Paul

[harleydavidson in reply to Paul_1971]

Hi Paul I am working from home as we speak. They want me back in the office from Monday so I don’t seem to have a choice. Even phoned my consultant who said PV on hydroxy, is no higher risk than anyone else, so I shall just get on with it and hope for the best. Thank you x

[Paul_1971 in reply to harleydavidson]

Hi

Sorry you arent being supported. I think your consultant is wrong but I am no expert. There have been several posts from Maz on here about the increased risks, must admit as i am on Ruxolinitib i by default fall into the high risk group so havent studied the detail that much. Maybe dig them out and have a read about what it says if you havent?

Did you receive a shielding letter at all?

ALL employers have a duty to make the work place as safe as possible (we know there is no 100% safe). Hopefully your employer is doing so.

All the best

[harleydavidson in reply to Paul_1971]

Yes I had shielding letters for both lockdowns. I’m confused now! Thank you for your support Paul it’s much appreciated. 😊

[Paul_1971 in reply to harleydavidson]

Hi

Obviously your consultant should know better than us but i cant accept that you are at no more risk than anyone else if you had to shield.

I know in my letter it said i should continue to work from home wherever possible. I think id be asking for a meeting with HR.

Normally i feel that if you can tow the line its better in the long run, but these arent normal times.

If im honest i dont think you need your consultants support, you have that with the letters you have had. Id be sending a copy of the letters to HR asking them to specify not why you need to go in, but the reason why you cant continue to work from home.

I reckon it would have to be a damn good reason for them to continue with their wish for you to go back in.

Good luck

[harleydavidson in reply to Paul_1971]

Thank you 🙏🏻