Doctor's Note Cost (Face Mask)

Jimbob2k

My wife works for a big supermarket chain.  She suffers with asthma and has been told that from Sunday she has to wear a face mask.  She informed them about her asthma, and that she may struggle at times to wear it.  Despite showing them her inhaler and the repeat prescription document, they have requested a Doctor's note.  From what I gather, a Doctor will not give a standard "fit note" for something like this, and the note is going to end up being a letter which the GP surgery informed her she will have to pay for.

My question is, who is liable for the cost of this?  I was under the impression that she would pay for it and the cost would be returned as an expense by the employer.  My wife is saying that they have said the cost is hers and that she won't get it back.  This seems extremely unfair to me and it is a cost we cannot easily afford at this time.  Surely the employer is requesting something that is non-standard and the cost of this should be theirs?

Grumpy_chap

Probably your wife's cost if it is a letter as you suggest.

Does the employer have an occupational health nurse?

Failing that, can she have an appointment with the GP and ask for fitnote?  There is space on the form for the GP to write any reasonable adjustment.

Is there actually evidence about people with asthma not able to wear masks?  How will the shop manage if a customer does not wear a mask because of asthma?  I imagine there are many working in NHS that have asthma and manage to wear a mask.

es5595

If your wife suffers with asthma, you’re probably better spending the money on a clear face visor, that way; you’re not wasting £ on a doctors note, your wife won’t lose her job, customers aren’t being put at risk if she is unfortunate enough to become ill but is asymptomatic. 

Jimbob2k

I think the clear face visor would be a better option.  I'm guessing that the employer has the responsibility to supply PPE if it is mandatory.
Grumpy_Chap - She already wears a mask on the bus to and from work.   The bus trip lasts for 15 minutes and she tells me she is already struggling for breath before the end of that journey.  Her work has a physical element to it, so if you can imagine doing that type of work whilst wearing a mask that reduces your ability to breathe quickly when you are asthmatic, it's not going to be a nice experience.  There are occasions where even without a mask she has to stop because of an attack.  I'm certain all other asthma sufferers will agree.

Anyhow, this was a question regarding the cost of a sick note, so I won't debate with you the ins and outs of why a mask is required or not.  As stated, the face visor is a good alternative, providing the employer is going to supply it.

Thanks for the responses.

silvercar

Face masks are only going to become compulsory for shoppers not staff.

JGB1955

It's not face masks - it's face COVERINGS.  Big difference

unforeseen

JGB1955 said:

It's not face masks - it's face COVERINGS.  Big difference

With such a loose definition I can see shops stipulating the minimum level E. G. Non-medical face mask and not a scarf etc

Jimbob2k

JGB1955 Doesn't make a difference for this topic so please leave being pedantic out of the thread, it isn't helping.  Mask or covering it is still the same if you have a respiratory issue with wearing either.  Anyway, my wife mentioned a clear face visor and was told by her supervisor that they are not going to be allowed.

I read the same as Silvercar, but this employer had a meeting with the staff today and said it is compulsory in their stores - it is B&M

bradders1983

silvercar said:

Face masks are only going to become compulsory for shoppers not staff.

Yes but I can see a lot of shops making it compulsory for staff too. If anything it is stupid they they dont have to and everyone else has, do retail staff not breathe like everyone else?

Diamandis

I don't see why a fit note couldn't be used, there's room for the doctor to state that she needs an alternative type of face mask to be provided etc. 

Jimbob2k

I agree Diamandis and this is what we will do as a last resort.  I think I will push my wife to consider entering into a discussion with the employer why they are looking to go against Government requirements and the fact that workers have not been included in the law being passed should be considered.  I was shocked about the face visor thing though, the employers should accept that alternative, they are proven to be effective and are worn by hairdressers etc.