Key Worker + At Risk Person + Nursery

Safe'n'Sound

Hi forum,

Might be a tricky one here. I'm a key worker and due to work away from home for 21 days soon. I've now learned my partner comes under the 'shielded' ill health person list recently released. I've managed to get the ok to keep our son in nursery through my status. I don't have a clue where I stand if I have to stay at home. If I stay away from work, I won't officially be sick but if I have to 'keep an eye' on my partner, is that unpaid leave?? My partner does not have a great network and 3 months isolation seems daunting for anyone never mind someone on their own. We're stuck with the agonising decision of risking my partners health to keep our heads above the water, or digging a financial hole that's incredibly hard to escape from. Surely key workers shouldn't be put in this predicament.

Any help appreciated

sleepymans

Difficult, but in your position I would self isolate with partner and child at home.....and worry about money when all this is over. 

Hopefully you will get financial help but at least if you don’t, you will all have the rest of long lives to repair financial damage.

Good Luck, stay home, stay safe.

Bigphil1474

OP, would have thought your partner would be safer if the kids stayed at home with them - if they are able to look after them. Reduces the risk of infection getting home. If you are working away for 3 weeks, then you would have to think about exposure before returning home, or not go. I also agree with sleepymans, the financial effect can be dealt with later, life and death are more important. I expect the financial institutes will be dealing with the fall out for many years, and with a greater degree of compassion. 

calcotti

The support available for people in your situation remains unclear. Really hope the government with provide further guidance shortly.

lukejones2020

I'm in the same predicament aswell, I live with my mum who has been identified as a vunerable person by the NHS but I'm also classed as a key worker. Spoke to my work and said I can have the time off unpaid. I'm unsure what to do as I don't want to catch it and pass it on to my mum and I don't want to earn nothing! Family comes first like the above post mentions! 

1977Chad

I'm in the same position and I work as a nurse. I live with my parents who are over 70 with health conditions. Many of my colleagues are in the same position, but I have no qualms about continuing to work.

calcotti

If you do find yourself at home without income look at Universal Credit  https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/
There are benefit calculators which will allow you to assess entitlement https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators