Do You Have To Go To Work?

[Scarlett]

My friend who is asthmatic works for a well know DIY chain. He is due in work tomorrow and I have told him he must NOT go; it is not essential and he ought to be self-isolating or at the very least, staying at home. I can't believe he would be expected to go in but he is very worried that if he doesn't go, they will sack him. Can they do this, in the circumstances?

[Mamyalynne]

Has he checked with his employers what their stance is on at risk employees?

[Scarlett]

No; he has told them he is asthmatic but their attitude is "come in and we'll see". I think this is playing with fire. He is very loyal and would end up being persuaded to work there all day. I think this is just not worth the risk.

[tonyav]

Personally I think that they would dare not sack him under the present circumstances ( he being in the at risk category ). But thats only my own personal feelings. Where I work 40 in one dept today on my shift !

[Scarlett]

Tonyav how do you mean? 40?

[Mamyalynne]

I believe you can self certificate from day 1 , he could phone is sick and get a note via telephone from his GP.

[tonyav]

40 off self isolating, I know that two where sent home Monday afternoon ( shift ) because they where coughing and the blokes that where working in that area ( in automotive ) complained to the management. I work for a very big place, Scarlett. There are four ( big ) departments lumped together as one factory on our site, plus as a Tata employee you can have 6 months off ( on the sick ) with full pay, also there are quite a few young fathers work there and the schools have closed down from today !

[Scarlett]

Ah I see, thanks Tonyav. He is worried they will sack him for not turning up. I've told him his life is more important than loyalty to a firm who know he is asthmatic but still expect him to work.

[tonyav]

I've told him his life is more important than loyalty to a firm who know he is asthmatic but still expect him to work.

I agree, Scarlett.