COVID-19 T&FS Information (Non-Recognised)

 

  1. I’m vulnerable but not classed as extremely vulnerable, do I still need to go to work and what are my options?

The current government guidance is that you work from home where possible, however for many of our members this is not possible and you may be required to attend work. You should pay particular attention to the guidance on social distancing and the guidance on cleaning and hygiene.

You should tell your manager and look to find ways to reduce your contact with others, for example working from home or quieter shift patterns.

Our advice is that if you feel that the conditions in work are not reducing risk as much as is possible then you need to tell your line manager and contact your CWU branch who can assist with any localised problem.

 

  1. I live with someone who is vulnerable but not classed as extremely vulnerable, do I still need to go into work and what are my options?

See answer to question 1. Pay particular attention also to social distancing in your home and the workplace.

 

  1. I live with an extremely vulnerable person, (one of the 1.8m who have received a letter from NHS) do I still need to go into work, what are my options?

The government advice is that if you live with someone who is supposed to be shielding you should work from home if that’s physically possible (indeed that should apply to any employee). If it is not possible, government guidance states that “employees who are unable to work because they are shielding in line with public health guidance (or need to stay home with someone who is shielding) can be furloughed.”

 

  1. How does the furlough system work?

Furloughing is where an employee is sent home and the government will pay 80% of their wages up to a maximum of £2,500 a month and we would urge employers to ensure that any employee on this scheme does not lose out financially and where employers are still operating that they make up the 20% shortfall.

Employees can be on any type of employment contract, including full-time, part-time, agency, flexible or zero-hour contracts. If furloughed, an employee cannot undertake work for, or on behalf, of the organisation or any linked or associated organisation. This includes providing services or generating revenue. While on furlough, the employee’s wage will be subject to usual income tax and other deductions.

If an employee is working, but on reduced hours, or for reduced pay, they will not be eligible for this scheme. Any employees placed on furlough must be furloughed for a minimum period of 3 consecutive weeks. When they return to work, they must be taken off furlough. Employees can be furloughed multiple times, but each separate instance must be for a minimum period of 3 consecutive weeks.

Employers should discuss with their staff and make any changes to the employment contract by agreement. When employers are making decisions in relation to the process, including deciding who to offer furlough to, equality and discrimination laws will apply in the usual way.

 

  1. I think I’m extremely vulnerable but not received a letter from the government, I can’t get a letter from my doctor as they are too busy, what are my options?

Where your case is exceptional and you believe you are extremely vulnerable but don’t have a Shielding Letter you may be able to confirm your status as extremely vulnerable with your hospital clinician or GP (though we understand that GPs may not be in a position to produce a Shielding Letter), you may also be able to demonstrate your vulnerable status using several means including for example OHS referrals, medical history or current medication.

 

  1. My partner is pregnant, do I still need to work, what are my options?

Please see answer to question 1.

 

  1. Should people who are supposed to be self-isolating be allowed in work?

No absolutely not.

Anyone who is self-isolating either due to having symptoms or as a result of household contact must not come to or be admitted to the workplace under any circumstances.

 

  1. What are the rules for self-isolation if someone in your household shows symptoms?

The government guidance states that if you live alone and you have symptoms of coronavirus illness (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home for 7 days from when your symptoms started.

If you live with others and you are the first in the household to have symptoms of coronavirus, then you must stay at home for 7 days, but all other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.

For anyone else in the household who starts displaying symptoms, they need to stay at home for 7 days from when the symptoms appeared, regardless of what day they are on in the original 14 day isolation period. For examples please view these isolation guidance.

 

  1. What should I do about going into customer premises?

 

Engineers should only go into properties if they absolutely have to. Where engineers must enter a residence or premises extra precautions are to be taken including PPE and advice given to customer to keep their distance. The CWU’s position is clear – if you do not have the correct PPE to carry out your job safely, your priority is to keep yourself and others around you safe.  You should inform your manager that you cannot safely undertake that task. In addition, engineers should not be sharing vans at this time. CWU has produced an individual risk assessment for field engineers.

  1. I’m being classed as a key worker but the work I’m doing is not critical or essential, why am I being told to come into the workplace?

The guidance is clear that people should be working from home where that is possible. Where this is not possible, key workers should only be required to attend the workplace to carry out critical work or work that assists the vulnerable

The definition of critical or essential is however not always clear cut, for example the CWU does accept that some sales work could be assisting in maintaining connectivity and similarly for example some engineering work may not directly appear essential however it supports or links to essential work in keeping vulnerable people connected. CWU expect reasonable employers to manage workloads, customer expectations and sales priorities appropriately.

 

  1. I don’t think that the social distancing policy of 2 metres is being adequately applied in my work area?

The government has introduced a nationwide policy of social distancing, which is critical to preventing the spread of Covid-19 and protecting the NHS. Employers must apply the government guidelines in offices, exchanges and in the field. Social distancing is mandatory, not optional.

If you believe this is not happening you need to raise this with your manager and contact your local CWU branch.

 

  1. I don’t think my work area is properly cleaned and/or cleaned often enough?

The CWU’s position is that employers should be following the most rigorous and regular cleaning processes in shared spaces and provide hand washing facilities and/or hand sanitiser for every member no matter what the cost.

If you believe this is not happening you need to raise this with your manager and contact your local CWU branch.

 

  1. My children are not in school do I still need to work and will any time off be paid?

As a key worker you can send your child to school or nursery. If there are problems with this and your child/children cannot attend school, your employer should arrange for you to work from home if that is possible. If it is not possible (either from the employer’s or your own standpoint) you should ask your employer for either special leave or to be furloughed in line with government guidelines. In either event, the CWU would urge employers to ensure that employees are not left out of pocket as a result.

 

  1. Is “Hot Desking” still allowed in workplaces?

The CWU considers “hot desking” to be endangering the health of employees and is inappropriate in these circumstances. In some limited circumstances it may be unavoidable but these work spaces should receive a more frequent deep clean.

 

  1. I normally receive bonus what will happen to it if I am off due to isolating or if I have contracted Covid-19?

The government is not offering any specific guidance on this but the CWU would urge employers to play their part in encouraging individuals who need to self-isolate by taking measures to ensure they are not left out of pocket.

 

  1. I am worried about travelling on busy public transport, and my timetable has been restricted, what can I do?

If you are experiencing difficulties in travelling into work in the first instance speak to your manager as there are a number of solutions they could explore. In the first instance they should see whether it is possible for you to work from home. If it is not, perhaps they can adjust your shift patterns to a time appropriate to the public transport situation. If you are taking public transport, employers should be encouraged to supply appropriate protective equipment and sanitiser to you to ensure high standards of hygiene are being maintained even when travelling.

 

In any event there should be no car-pooling at this time.

 

  1. What are my responsibilities as an employee?

You should familiarise yourself with the guidelines on social distancing and hygiene and strictly abide by them. Do not take risks with your health and that of your colleagues and family.

 

Please get in touch if you have concerns.