Enhanced Social Distancing

[Salsagirl13]

Apologies if this has already been answered somewhere ...... I have been told verbally by a RA physio that the meds I am on put me in the moderate risk group and the recommendation is enhanced social distancing and if this can’t be managed at work I should be supported to work from home. Am I likely to get a letter to support this or not? I fear my employer will make me choose to go without pay or go into work and whilst I would rather be at work I am also fearful of getting ill - I am also a single mum with elderly parents who are shielding so have very little support if I do get ill. Any help gratefully received 😊

[charisma]

Very difficult.. points system here rheumatology.org.uk/Portals...

Unless you are in the high risk group, told by letter to remain at home at all times, no shopping etc, you will not receive a notice.

I was practising very strict social distancing (going out only once a day for a walk) till I got the letter.

But your employer should be considerate of your health needs.

[Salsagirl13 in reply to charisma]

Thanks so according to this I am a 1 and should maintain social distance- if this cannot be managed at work then I have to choose between putting myself at increased risk or losing pay - not easy when you’re the only adult paying the bills 😫

[RosieA]

Sadly, this was not addressed in yesterdays webinar as the consequences of being asked to strictly socially distance is also a big ask. Not to go outside, for exercise, shopping etc. This is a subset who although not in the extreme group may logically need external support according to the recommendations. I am currently in this group on adivse. My only thought would be to copy the flow chart either the Leeds one or the BSR / Consultant one and send it to your employer and ask how they propose to keep you safe. Put the onus on them. Altnatively, as a last resort, you may need to ask your rhuemy team for further support. Hope this is somewhat helpful.

[Salsagirl13 in reply to RosieA]

Thanks sorry for being dim but is there a files section on here or a link to the flow charts you talk of?

[charisma in reply to Salsagirl13]

At least two people posted it. Cannot recall who... search through the main posts for the last few days will find it as a pic.

Found a link to it which will be easier to read and contains lots of info via other links too

leedsth.nhs.uk/a-z-of-servi...

[Salsagirl13 in reply to charisma]

Thanks

[RosieA in reply to Salsagirl13]

They are on the BSR site plus one on here from Leeds (however, that would put me in the extremely vulnerable one which I don't think I am. Let us know if you find them.

[helixhelix]

Under Health and Safety Legislation it is an employer's duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees and other people who might be affected by their business. Employers must do whatever is reasonably practicable to achieve this. ... Employers have duties under health and safety law to assess risks in the workplace.

So you need to tell your employer politely but firmly that you are in an at risk category and they need to make it safe for you to be in the workplace or allow you to work from home, or put you on statutory sick pay. There is financial support for employers so they have no excuse. Depending on what your work is this should be possible - need to maintain distance from colleagues, have allocated toilet perhaps or lots of sanitiser and separate hand drying, those sorts of things.

[Salsagirl13 in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks 😊

[allanah]

A good idea on here was to remind your employer that unless they can guarantee you will be social distancing you are at risk. You could show them the risk chart and your medication sheet as evidence ?

[Salsagirl13 in reply to allanah]

Thanks 😊