Furlough?

Sazz883

Hi all, I wonder if anyone can help me as I'm pretty worried! 

I'm writing on behalf of my partner who works for a maintenence company, cleaning communal areas and flats - hoovering, mopping, polishing bannisters etc.

He has been self isolating due to a co worker having symptoms and is being asked when he will return to work as the company deem the work they do essential.He travels over the area in a van with coworker, and a 2m distance can't be observed. They have no hand sanitisers or access to hand washing facilities or toilets (public toilets would be what they have to use meaning they would need to go into supermarkets, shopping centres etc, which the government has advised should only be visited when necessary for supplies). They come into contact with urine, blood and vomit in communal areas which they have to clean with cold water which will not kill viruses, with no proper PPE. They are also coming into contact with residents.During discussions today when the workforce pointed out the 2m distance can't be observed with workers travelling in vans and not being from the same household, they were advised that they could travel individually but meet at the site; again if heavy equipment needs to be moved a 2m gap isn't always possible to observe due to safe handling advice. My partner doesnt drive, therefore has been told today there is no work for him since they can't comply with the government advice regarding the safe distancing. When he asked whether this meant he was out of a job, he was told no and just to keep claiming ssp! I would like to clarify so that he can have fully informed discussions with his management whether they should be applying for the 80% furlough advised by the government or whether his manager is correct that he should continue claiming statutory sick pay when  he's not sick and not being laid off. As you can imagine £90 a week is not enough to live on, and is causing us a lot of worry. He's been in touch with the STUC and they have advised him to send an email to the director. So he's been texting back and forth with his manager about whether to go back out tomorrow and has been told its not ideal but that the risk is tiny as he will be facing a window in the van and now has a mask but that it's his choice. It's not really much of a choice, wages or nothing! Is there anyone who can advise if this employer is being reasonable? It's causing tension here as I'm working from home and staying in as much as possible and I'm terrified he's going to catch this going out to work.

Thank you! 

sharpe106

He can't' just carry on claiming SSP for self isolating it only lasts so long. As the manager has already stated they still have work so they can not furlough him either.   
Health and safety is another issue and would need to be discussed with the manager preferably in person or on the phone rather then by text.