Do I have to return to Work?

[SpanishSenorita]

Hi. I have had RA for 44 years, (started very young!) and work part time as an Estate Agent. I take Methotrexate and therefore am immuno suppressed. I work in a very small office of 4 people and part of the job is accompanied viewings of properties. Boris, in his wisdom has said that we have to re-open and return to work. I am very anxious as I have barely been out of the house during the lockdown apart for daily walks and am now being told to mix with "all and sundry", which is stressing me out! Does anyone know if I can refuse to return to work on health grounds? Thanks.

[allanah]

Helix has just put up the government guidance x

[SpanishSenorita in reply to allanah]

Thank you. x

[happytulip]

I'm not to good at putting links up but I'll give it a go.

...it didn't work 🤔.

Google HM Govt, working safely during covid-19 in offices.

Might shed some light on what is expected of your employer.

[SpanishSenorita in reply to happytulip]

Thanks. I will check it out.

[dawkin_S]

Hi there, I don't know if you have also seen the government's 'Working Safely During Coronavirus' guidance? gov.uk/guidance/working-saf...

There isn't an estate agents category, but I guess it could come under either Offices, Visiting Other People's Home, or Shops - depending on what exactly you are doing.

Either way, the advice in each case remains the same (go to section 2.1):

"Objective: To protect clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals.

Clinically vulnerable individuals, who are at high risk of severe illness (for example, people with some pre existing conditions), have been asked to take extra care in observing social distancing and should be helped to work from home, either in their current role or in an alternative role.

If clinically vulnerable.... individuals cannot work from home, they should be offered the option of the safest available on site roles, enabling them to stay 2m away from others. If they have to spend time within 2m of others, you should carefully assess whether this involves an acceptable level of risk. "

Hope that helps. xx

[SpanishSenorita in reply to dawkin_S]

Hi. Thank you for the info. x

[Cheylann]

If you are in the shielding group then you don't have to return to work yet. Take it up with your employer. Being on. Methotrexate you are only slightly immuno suppressed.

[SpanishSenorita in reply to Cheylann]

Thanks.

[Soundofmusic52]

I think it’s up to the individual if you feel safe in your work environment then you can go back even if your vunerable we all have different circumstances finances childcare etc etc so use common sense if your not happy safe and comportable stay at home stay alert stay safe good luck

[SpanishSenorita in reply to Soundofmusic52]

Thank you, though I'm not sure the boss would be too pleased if I refused to go in but my health/life is more important than a part time job after all.

[dawkin_S in reply to SpanishSenorita]

Has your boss told you that you are expected back in as usual? I would not be surprised if your office is quieter than usual at the moment, so maybe he doesn't need everyone back in to work yet - assuming you are furloughed at the moment. The furlough payments are running, so he could keep you 'on retainer' for a while yet, if necessary. Or would you be able to do some work from home (dealing with paperwork or calls perhaps? Showing my ignorance of estate agent life here!) ? Don't know if any of that is helpful.

[SpanishSenorita in reply to dawkin_S]

Hi. The Boss is running the business from home at the moment with her husband who also works there. I e-mailed her on Wednesday explaining my concerns about returning, mixing with "all and sundry" etc and she phoned and said they would carry on the business from home but would have to "un-furlough" either me or my colleague if it got any busier. We have a case management system which we can access from home but we have never used it and the boss prefers the old fashioned manual system!

[Cheylann in reply to SpanishSenorita]

Maybe boss needs to change her ideas and get used to the online system. After all everyone needs to adjust to this crisis.

[SpanishSenorita in reply to Cheylann]

Yes, I agree

[dawkin_S in reply to SpanishSenorita]

Sounds like she could un-furlough your colleague to do the mingling with the public stuff then, perhaps? Assuming they are not vulnerable? Agree with Cheylann - good time to get everyone using the online system - if you can persuade her!

[BoneyC]

I read yesterday estate agents are doing virtual viewings.

[SpanishSenorita in reply to BoneyC]

Yes, some are. Unfortunately, our agency is a bit behind the times..........!