Worried about being asked to return to work!

[Moomin8]

Morning peeps 😎

Hope you are keeping as well as possible?

I work in a primary school as an HLTA (higher level teaching assistant) and have been sheilding since the middle of March. I cover all classes - from 4 - 11 year olds when the teachers have their planning time outside of the classroom. I also have responsibility for speech and language support throughout the school, along with IT support.

I am very worried about whether I will be asked to return to work in June/July. I thought that the next step from sheilding would be self-isolating - a slow and steady step back into the world outside of my front door. If I am asked to return to work, I will be very vulnerable. I am also flaring- have been since February- so am taking more medication than 'normal' - therefore making me even more vulnerable.

I was signed off for the first month due to my RA flaring - turned out I didn't need to do this as the school was closed one week into the month. I don't really want to start eating into my sickness allowance from work. I'm wondering if I can refuse to return just now? The parents won't be getting fined for refusing to send their children back, apparently. Having said that, my boss is very good, so I'm hoping he says I don't have to return just yet. I know how hard it will be for schools to manage this and will need all hands on deck so he might not have a choice 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Boxerlady]

I really don't think that you need to worry. Just reading the "Five-stage alert system" in the paper and it says "Level 1 - zero transmission. No lock down in any part of society and vulnerable people able to leave their homes. This is only likely when a vaccine can be found."

We're only just entering Level 3 and Level 2 says "Highly vulnerable remain shielded."

[Sheila_G]

I think if you have been told to shield you can't go back to work. That would be very dangerous for you. Stay at home. x

[Boxerlady in reply to Sheila_G]

I think that it's quite possible that the projected school openings won't happen anyway - lots of concern from unions and headteachers...

[Hidden]

Same here. I can’t see my gp or my physio or rheummy team due to high risk as I’m on mtx and a Biologic RA unstable but was advised if I can work from home . NO. Work at a 2m distance . No chance work with super spreaders. There are no definitive guidelines for those at high risk or vulnerable. I get shielding texts so I’m using those to show my employer I’m not waiting for a letter God knows when or if I get one

[Moomin8]

Could you have a telephone appointment with your gp or rheumatologist? I'm wondering whether I might have to get myself signed off again...

[Hidden in reply to Moomin8]

No I can have telephone conversation just not a face to face. Hand Therapy rang me yesterday they can’t see me to be fitted for a wrist splint and they can’t really help unless they see me but they can’t because of my meds. So they are just sending a medium sized splint in the hopes it fits.🤷‍♀️

[Moomin8 in reply to Hidden]

I have hand splints of various sizes, depending on the swelling I have. I find them really good - they rest the hurt...if that makes sense 🤪I hope you find some comfort.

[Hidden in reply to Moomin8]

😂😂that was my reply when she asked for my size. Swollen or un swollen

[Hidden in reply to Moomin8]

I got myself signed off for 3 months at the beginning as my Rheumy nurse said no work and my employer was pushing for proof. Unfortunately she has been redeployed so I don’t know these replacement nurses

[Moomin8 in reply to Hidden]

Good luck 🤞Hopefully these replacement nurses will be just as empathetic.

[Sheila_G]

I think you are right especially after Sunday's message. We will be in complete lockdown again two weeks. x

[allanah]

If you are shielding you will not be at work. But to clarify this is not sick leave, its health and safety and government instructions.

So you just tell your employer you wont be at work long term as you are in the shielding/ highly vulnerable health group.

Any problems your union will help but theres 1.8 million of us so I'm sure employers are aware we wont be going anywhere for a while .

My daughter is a teacher and out there in central Newcastle working , also phoning parents each day and setting online work. It's even harder than being in school. You are all amazing I think .