Scared to go back to work

ILoveASAP · Post by **ILoveASAP** » 29 Mar 2020, 11:30

I've been on annual leave for 3 weeks. Instead of celebrating our anniversary we are self isolating in seperate rooms. The mrs is petrified of this virus. I'm due to return to work tomorrow. She doesn't want me to go back as she's worried for my health. After the horror stories I've been hearing at my office I'm not sure I want to return to work. What are my options?

Post by **HTPostman** » 29 Mar 2020, 11:50

The options seem to be take your annual leave now (if they allow you) or special unpaid leave.

I’m sure some will be going off with work related stress (guessing you get sick pay?) but surely that would mean you being signed off by a GP who are obviously prioritising things right now.

Best wishes to you both whatever you decide.

Lapser · Post by **Lapser** » 29 Mar 2020, 11:53

In our office , 2 metre rule not being enforced , hardly anyone wearing PPE , after several confrontations with manager , was told take annual leave or get signed off with statutory sick pay for 12 weeks , if you can afford it , don't know if this helps any ? Bottom line is , if its not a safe environment, do not take any risks , as instructed by CWU .

taurus88 · Post by **taurus88** » 29 Mar 2020, 12:00

I think, in these extraordinary circumstances, if you can afford not to go to work, you absolutely shouldn't.

Worst-case scenario of not going to work is that you're out of a job in a few months' time.

Worst-case scenario of going to work is that you die.

The first problem may sound somewhat dire, but being alive is a damned good starting point for anything you want to achieve.

Being in the ground, well. Is it worth it for some letters and parcels - and hardly any important ones at that?

Personally, I'm flabbergasted that we're still at large during this crisis. It doesn't seem very bright, at all.

postslippete · Post by **postslippete** » 29 Mar 2020, 12:26

It would be an interesting case in a future employment tribunal to contend being sacked because you thought that your employer didn't have a 'safe' environment. Have your work given you alternatives like working at night (where's there are fewer people) or working from home??

SPECIALTRACKED · Post by **SPECIALTRACKED** » 29 Mar 2020, 12:35

I’m in same boat, return to MC tomorrow after annual leave, do not want to return after hearing everything that’s going on, it’s just not safe!

koolishy67 · Post by **koolishy67** » 29 Mar 2020, 14:12

I m not going simple I can afford 6 months without pay as we got good wages i can survive on my saving atlest 12 months no. Problem that's why I save my money very hard for days like this

ILoveASAP · Post by **ILoveASAP** » 29 Mar 2020, 14:19

I have been told I can come in later and prep my walk but I would have to wait for someone to return so I can take a van. My office is implementing the two metre rule but not every one adheres to it. Some people are coughing and acting like everything is normal.

I'm worried if I take a few months off unpaid I might not have a job to go back to. Of course, my health is more important but I actually love my job.

sumason · Post by **sumason** » 29 Mar 2020, 14:51

Why wouldn't you have a job to go back too? Can they dismiss you for taking special unpaid leave at this time?

5plusbonusball · Post by **5plusbonusball** » 29 Mar 2020, 15:57

OP, was that your wife coughing in the background? your good for 14 days iso note, little lies save your life

scarface · Post by **scarface** » 29 Mar 2020, 16:15

ILoveASAP wrote:I've been on annual leave for 3 weeks. Instead of celebrating our anniversary we are self isolating in seperate rooms. The mrs is petrified of this virus. I'm due to return to work tomorrow. She doesn't want me to go back as she's worried for my health. After the horror stories I've been hearing at my office I'm not sure I want to return to work. What are my options?

Almost similar situation and I have decided I will not be going back to work. I have to look after kids staying home and I simply being too terrified to work in close contact with everyone in dirty, neglected for decades, Delivery Office without basic PPE and with social distancing being absolutely impossible to implement. It will either be unpaid or I will use up all my annual leave planned for next year, so in total I'm looking at 7 more weeks at home |(been self-isolating in last 7 days).

norris9 · Post by **norris9** » 29 Mar 2020, 16:26

Just leave the company.

5plusbonusball · Post by **5plusbonusball** » 29 Mar 2020, 16:36

Join me ! on the buses!

danny2006 · Post by **danny2006** » 29 Mar 2020, 18:28

I am back on Wednesday after self isolating, dreading it. Back till Saturday then off for a weeks annual leave. Another office delivers my mail, had one letter monday last week, then nothing till yesterday, payslip, junk letters and 5 d2d's

Post by **POSTMAN** » 29 Mar 2020, 19:50

norris9 wrote:Just leave the company.

Not helpful.