GP has told me to shield but employer will only pay ssp and refuses to furlough.

sargie

I have kept my employer in the lop every step of the way. They have done everything possible in the environment. But I work on a line in which you are in close contact with others, the factory employs a large number of people and has done everything they can to adhere to social distancing measures. It is just unfortunate that employees that have served a year or more get full pay. My employer has also donated 12 million pounds worth of produce to food banks, they have offered a bonus of 6% to employees who continue to work. I just wondered if I was entitled to anymore help. seems not that's fine. so the choice is now mine, carrying on ssp as long as possible hope that I can get help with outgoings, or just go back to work and hope for the best.

The only reason I came here is because martin lewis said that employers can furlough shielding employees. And that my gp has recommended I shield.

sharpe106

They can but it is still not clear if it is a criteria by itself. 

sargie

I appreciate all the reply's. I hope everyone and their family's are safe and well during this epidemic.

unforeseen

GPs shouldn't be telling people to shield. They should be passing the information digitally so that it triggers the letter. Otherwise you are not considered to be shielded. 
https://www.gponline.com/gp-practices-support-vulnerable-patients-during-covid-19-outbreak/article/1679648

Safe'n'Sound

I have phoned my gp today who has advised that I should be shielding. I explained that I had not received a letter from the government or a text. He explained that they are currently going through the list of patients and sending out letters themselves to patients who should be shielding.

A GP will always side on caution, but you did call the GP and nobody has contacted you yet. You have not been chosen as 'to be shielded', so at this moment in time you are a potential worker.

My place of work is a factory so social distancing is very difficult. I explained this to my gp and he said that in that case I should be supported to be off from work. My issue is that ssp at £95 per week is not enough to live on. Had I been with my employer a year id be on full csp. Ive been there 10 months!

It is Government policy that any workplace MUST carry out social distancing procedures if they are still open. If they can not, then you either work from home or finally if it is impossible for you to work normally, and your work can not offer a safe place (social distancing) for you, you should be furloughed (as if you were to be let go because they can't employ you). This rule is for everyone, forget the shielding people thing.

I have asked if they could furlough me and they said they are not allowed as they are not closed.
I am therefore considering returning to work as I feel I have no choice. 
Is there any help or advice any can offer please?

If they are working normally, as per Gov rules, and there is no official reason for you not to work, then they are correct.

I'm really sorry about your situation. What I've said above is just facts, but it does not make it right. I have great sympathy with those that are classed as 'shielded' and also those that are not but have underlining health conditions similar to those selected. To put it as blunt and as simple as possible, you have to look after yourself in the long run. Will dropping down income for (hopefully) a few months be life threatening? If not, then take a deep breath and look after your health. If you are seriously worried about losing that much money over the next few months and it will have a serious detrimental effect on your well-being then go to work and maintain social distancing, wash hands regularly and if you can get some, apply alcho gel as often as possible.

Good luck, chin up.

calcotti

Safe'n'Sound said:

It is Government policy that any workplace MUST carry out social distancing procedures if they are still open. 

Government guidance is less definite than that
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19#social-distancing-in-the-workplace---principles

The advice on social distancing measures applies to everyone and should be followed wherever possible. Workplaces need to avoid crowding and minimise opportunities for the virus to spread by maintaining a distance of at least 2 metres (3 steps) between individuals wherever possible. 

Fire_Fox

sargie said:

It's not about not wanting to turn up for work. I love my job and I want to work! I also do not want to contract a virus that could possibly kill me.
Im not looking for an excuse to not go to work or to sit at home on my !!!!!! on full pay while many others risk theirs lives as key workers. I was looking for clarification on conflicting information. like I said my GP has advised me to shield.

If you are familiar with food factorys you will know that a 2 meter distance is impossible

Please reread what is actually being said NOT what you imagine they are implying or hinting. The post referred to companies plural and cases plural.
Thrugelmir said "Company's will need to tackle this issue internally and adjust working conditions accordingly on a case by case basis. Not a reason not to want to turn up for work in itself."

What your GP says verbally to you in a confidential telephone appointment is useless to your employer. Chase your shielding letter every day, get a 'fit note' from your GP setting out what you cannot do. Urgently get these to your employer. Read your employee handbook, communicate in writing/ e-mail so you have a record of dodgy stuff your employer might pull. Not saying do not telephone work briefly, but follow everything in writing, do all the "explaining " in writing.

There have been doctor Q&As/ experts on the Freeview news channels (BBC and Sky) daily. Explaining the medical grounds for 'shielding' applied to cases like yours. Probably  stuff on reputable/ official websites that you can link your employer to.

Ditto much on state benefits, including quick benefit calculators, online and around MSE forums. Also Statement of Affairs which are detailed budget planners. Several boards may ask for an SoA so they can quickly see where the deficits are and how large, pick out stuff to tackle.

You might be eligible for rent or mortgage holiday, universal credit, likely council tax reduction. People can and do live on such small amounts especially with pubs, bars, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, clothes shops and more closed. But you probably will not have to, or may have to juggle a little then suddenly be really flush.

Maybe apply for Personal Independence Payment which should be based on support needs NOT if you can work or are working, not on specific conditions or medication, not if you actually get  the help you need. Higher rate with severe disability premium (a top-up if you live alone) is is very decent. If successful it is backdated to the day you make telephone contact. MSE and 'chest' charity websites have great guidance on PIP. 

Currently there is a huge voluntary movement to help the 'extremely vulnerable' who are 'shielding' to get shopping or errands done, food parcels, free hot meals delivered via faith organisations, and more. Through your local council AND any 'caremongering' hubs for your area. Yes caremongering not scaremongering! Search Facebook snd other social networks. Council may need evidence of 'shielding', so again chase that. Many others work on trust, some organisations ard helping anyone in financial poop now. Just get 'into the system'.

HTH!

 

Fire_Fox

calcotti said:

Safe'n'Sound said:

It is Government policy that any workplace MUST carry out social distancing procedures if they are still open. 

Government guidance is less definite than that
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19#social-distancing-in-the-workplace---principles

The advice on social distancing measures applies to everyone and should be followed wherever possible. Workplaces need to avoid crowding and minimise opportunities for the virus to spread by maintaining a distance of at least 2 metres (3 steps) between individuals wherever possible. 

GPs can write all sorts onto a 'fit note'. Could trump the 'social distancing' guidelines for some employees.

unforeseen

And it would still only be advice that the employer could ignore.
As for shielding, the only people who are shielding are those who have received the letter, otherwise they are self-isolating through choice

A shielding letter from the GP carries no weight, it is the one from PHE that counts as that also triggers other things.