Diabetic Self Isolation? Will we be paid?

dembz90 · Post by **dembz90** » 22 Mar 2020, 14:55

I’ve decided that as I am diabetic that I will be self isolating for 12 weeks and not returning to work. Is there anyone on here with diabetes doing the same? Government guidelines still very vague on what diabetics should do, seeing mixed messages all over the place. Also, does anyone know if I will be paid as normal if I go into self isolation due to my illness? Seen that the government will pay 80% of a persons wage, would this apply to us working with RM? Cheers!

dembz90 · Post by **dembz90** » 22 Mar 2020, 15:03

starting 2 threads is redundant - I have merged them both as the questions and responses should be the same

Post by **Murdoch** » 22 Mar 2020, 15:39

dembz90 wrote:I’ve decided that as I am diabetic that I will be self isolating for 12 weeks and not returning to work. Is there anyone on here with diabetes doing the same? Government guidelines still very vague on what diabetics should do, seeing mixed messages all over the place. Also, does anyone know if I will be paid as normal if I go into self isolation due to my illness? Seen that the government will pay 80% of a persons wage, would this apply to us working with RM? Cheers!

I see a lot of confusion over this 80% wages thing, it only applies if your company lays you off, but retains you, then the business can apply for a grant from the government. To cover 80% of your wages (upto £2500 a month), for 3 months initially, backdated till 1st of march, but won't be paid out till April. Since Royal Mail are still continuing as normal, and we're going to be understaffed and busy delivering parcels to all the people sitting at home. It's unlikely they will lay people off.

If you're just deciding to self-isolate for 12 weeks, it remains to be seen what RM will do. I can't imagine you'll get full sick pay when you're not actually ill. So I'd imagine you'd have to claim SSP.

The Government are writing to people with higher risk in the next week with guidance.

Peejay8T8 · Post by **Peejay8T8** » 22 Mar 2020, 15:46

I'm type 1 and considering the same tomorrow morning myself. I have the same questions. It seems you have to get a medical certificate from your GP to present to your Manager. I'm not convinced we'll be considered vulnerable enough tbh. It sounds as though the NHS will be sending letters out to people deemed "vulnerable individuals" but it sounds as though that's people who have multiple ailments, respiratory issues, transplanted organs etc

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 22 Mar 2020, 15:54

https://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communi ... 8&p=885935" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

https://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communi ... 71&t=94715" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Keep checking the various Corna virus threads and LTBs, but my understanding is at the moment YES you will be paid. But keep updating yourself. The two threads above are good starting points.

Post by **POSTMAN** » 22 Mar 2020, 16:02

New guidelines are coming out Monday.

DMarvesley · Post by **DMarvesley** » 22 Mar 2020, 17:01

Made the same decision Wednesday last week. I have type 2 diabetes and asthma, my wife has type one, respiratory problems and is disabled. I am her full time carer. At the moment I am using up next year's holiday allocation as my Dom said this is only way I can guarantee that I will get paid. Like I said in another post I will deal with the consequences that RM throw at me when this is all over. Hopefully we will get more information tomorrow but I feel I have made right decision. Good luck guys.

realitybites · Post by **realitybites** » 23 Mar 2020, 08:00

I have the same sort of question. I have Diabetes and a few accompanying ailments that won't help my case. I am in a reasonable position regarding money so want to just self isolate and take SSP. Is this possible with no repercussions or are we stuck taking these risks unless we quit.

Stormproof · Post by **Stormproof** » 23 Mar 2020, 08:20

My day off today and I woke up at 4am because of my asthma. As I lay there I thought the way my breathing is I've got no chance if I get this virus. I'm seriously considering asking to use next years A/L in one hit so I can spend the time away from people and stay at home, thats if we won't get paid. Another thing I've got to do is fill in my 'Death in Service' benefit receipient, I've held off 16 years thinking I'll do it later but I feel now is the time.

viking1488 · Post by **viking1488** » 23 Mar 2020, 08:29

before i start i have asthma the way im seeing this now is the government first made a list of vulnerable groups with underlying health issues which does include diabetes asthma etc the way i see it now is the letters that are going out are only to the most vulnerable these groups are being told to self isolate for 12 weeks the rest are being strongly advised to social distance i would now take it if you dont get a letter rm will tell you that you need to work because your not that bad and i might be wrong but they wont pay us i must stress im very worried and i know how bad people get with there conditions but i dont think rm will see it this way i really dont know where we go from here we need the government to change its outlook or wording for the rest of the vulnerable groups with underlying health issues

danny2006 · Post by **danny2006** » 23 Mar 2020, 08:29

I developed breathing/cough symptoms during my long weekend, and as I also have asthma, I just phoned in and of course made to feel guilty, but I thought to hell, my health and my family's comes before anything. Stay safe everyone.