Bank key worker shielding partner no SSP, UC

charmy1973

Please can anyone advise, I don’t know which way to turn.....

I’ve been working as a Bank Mental Health Support Worker doing 3-4 nights a week since 2013.  I have not been able to return to the wards from 16 March as we cannot adhere to the 2m social distancing rule and there is no/minimal PPE.  My partner is in the very high risk category-TB carrier, scared lung tissue, severe asthmatic, high blood pressure, liver damage.
Ive written to the bank office, coping my union rep in, explaining my fears and asked for redeployment to admin as the public sector isn’t furloughing.  I’m still waiting for feedback on redeployment.  To date I’ve only received £53 SSP, the bank office says it’s payrolls decision if I’m eligible, payroll haven’t returned any correspondence, and my union rep isn’t helping, stating “what can I say, as a bank only worker you are not employed by the Trust - there is no mutuality of obligation”
My partner receives his state and private pension, totalling just over £1,000,  now we don’t qualify for anything according to benefit calculators.  
My only income now is my £80 child benefits.  House is in my partner’s name and no mortgage, which is a blessing!!!  But we still have other bills, cars and to eat.
Any help will be greatly appreciated 

onwards&upwards

Can you move out?  Lots of trusts are providing hotel accommodation for frontline workers who live with vulnerable people.  Lots are also hiring into substantive posts now, whether permanent or temp. 

poppy12345

New style JSA maybe possible, providing you've paid enough NI contributions in tax years April 2017 to March 2019. It's paid for 6 months @ £74.35 per week.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-jobseekers-allowance

sharpe106

I assume by your post others are still working? So it is your choice not to return to the wards, not the companies?

charmy1973

onwards&upwards said:

Can you move out?  Lots of trusts are providing hotel accommodation for frontline workers who live with vulnerable people.  Lots are also hiring into substantive posts now, whether permanent or temp. 

Thanks, I’ll look into this 

charmy1973

sharpe106 said:

I assume by your post others are still working? So it is your choice not to return to the wards, not the companies?

Yes others are still working and yes it’s my choice not to return to the wards, for very valid reasons......

onwards&upwards

charmy1973 said:

sharpe106 said:

I assume by your post others are still working? So it is your choice not to return to the wards, not the companies?

Yes others are still working and yes it’s my choice not to return to the wards, for very valid reasons......

But please remember, many many hundreds of frontline workers are in exactly the same position as you and are still working, but taking strict precautions on returning home such as putting uniforms and travelling clothes straight into a hot wash and showering immediately then wiping all surfaces they have touched before their family member comes out of a closed room. 

If everybody in your position had stayed home for the last month just think how many more would have died.

unforeseen

But please remember, many many hundreds of frontline workers are in exactly the same position as you and are still working, but taking strict precautions on returning home such as putting uniforms and travelling clothes straight into a hot wash and showering immediately then wiping all surfaces they have touched before their family member comes out of a closed room. 

That is exactly what my wife is doing. You just need to be meticulous in your hygiene. Lots of other people are doing this.
I won't say it is easy but it can and is being done.

My wife is a carer so has a lot of physical patient contact that can not be avoided.