Urgent clarity needed on vulnerable person grey area

Post by **CPTNemoUK** » 09 Apr 2020, 07:39

mikep wrote:Hi, I am diabetic (vulnerable at risk group), and have been self isolating for 3 weeks now. I have it from my DOM, HR, and my CWU rep that if I can get a letter or certificate from the doctor just to confirm I am diabetic then I will be paid. It will count as an absence and come off your allowance of 6 months full sick pay over a rolling 4 year period. The problem is getting hold of my doctor. I am on a list for him to call me tomorrow morning so will update once I have spoken to him. Royal Mail managers have been instructed to give a bit more time to have contact with doctor and for us to get that letter into work. I have been paid up to date so far.

My wife is diabetic (type 2) and she got a text from her doctors last weeks telling her too self isolate for 12 weeks and she will receive a letter in the post. Hopefully you will get one also.

mikep · Post by **mikep** » 09 Apr 2020, 18:48

I got my note today, but only after much persuasion. Clearly states Type 2 Diabetic, vulnerable to Covid-19. HOWEVER...doctor was furious with RM for directing us in their direction at this time, and rightly so in my opinion. Current government directive is that the vulnerable group if key workers should be in work if they cannot work from home, and that is the directive the doctors have to work off. Doctor basically said if RM are allowing us off with pay then that is their business and don't bother them for paper work. Good luck with your doctors everybody!!!!

wolves4767 · Post by **wolves4767** » 09 Apr 2020, 19:38

Good for you,what type of note he give you interested to hear how he's worded it

sindba · Post by **sindba** » 09 Apr 2020, 19:51

mikep wrote:I got my note today, but only after much persuasion. Clearly states Type 2 Diabetic, vulnerable to Covid-19. HOWEVER...doctor was furious with RM for directing us in their direction at this time, and rightly so in my opinion. Current government directive is that the vulnerable group if key workers should be in work if they cannot work from home, and that is the directive the doctors have to work off. Doctor basically said if RM are allowing us off with pay then that is their business and don't bother them for paper work. Good luck with your doctors everybody!!!!

EXACTLY. It's a disgrace.

It should be enough for RM that they have proof of your condition (which is easy to get, we all have access to our medical records).

Don't they know GPs are bloody busy? Or is it just an extra layer of paperwork to try and force as many people into work, even if they're high risk?

The CWU have a blind spot here too, they should be putting pressure on over this.

mikep · Post by **mikep** » 10 Apr 2020, 09:48

Its a "statement of fitness for work" note. Wording is as follows....because of the following condition , Type 2 diabetes mellitus.....I advise you that you are not fit to work....Reason, vulnerable individual for covid 19.

yorkychris · Post by **yorkychris** » 11 Apr 2020, 17:29

mikep wrote:Its a "statement of fitness for work" note. Wording is as follows....because of the following condition , Type 2 diabetes mellitus.....I advise you that you are not fit to work....Reason, vulnerable individual for covid 19.

Wish my G.P would do the right thing, I have 2 high risk health conditions taking medication morning and night permanently.
But no way will he let me have a sick note, it’s a bloody disgrace.

postalpixie · Post by **postalpixie** » 13 Apr 2020, 18:23

I also would like more standard instruction/info on this. I have been sent a letter from nhs telling me I am high risk, and on enquiring was told it was due to asthma I suffered until my teens. I fully believe based on past illnesses I would suffer more than average with anything like covid-19 that affects my lungs, despite having not been medicated for asthma for a long time due to having 'grown out of it' (and not exercising to an extent that might trigger wheezing like I used to get). On one hand I am quite happy staying at work with the reasonable level of distancing they have added in my place, but I would like to see a standard response from RM on nhs instructions+time off work.

It seems some people are going off sick with pay, others are taking unpaid leave, some managers are saying 'no', and some workers are going off regardless of managers say on it, presumably due to an identified risk to health like this being something RM might struggle to sack you for regarding time off, along with that supervisor level management might give poor verbal instruction on due to self interest in keeping their staffing levels in spite of of any H&S based standard. I could ask RM in writing to try to get a more standard response, but on what basis?- That if they instruct me to come in and worst case scenario it leads to me catching covid-19 and dying, it could then lead to accountability for my employer... But that wouldnt help the dead person would it?