Going Back to Work Help

maccat03

Just yesterday I came back from Spain and was told to self isolate with my family. When calling my work (I work at M&S and i’m just a shop assistant on fixed term) I told them this. However, i was told that because i’m a key worker and if I get tested at a testing center and it shows negative I can come into work, is this true? I’ve looked at the government page and can’t see anywhere we’re Key Workers such as working at M&S are exempt from the self isolation. I’m only 17 so I can’t get to the testing center by myself and I don’t want to risk anyone’s health anymore by leaving my house when i’ve been told not to. Any replies would be appreciated thanks.

bradders1983

There is no provision in the rules for people to get a test to end the "quarantine" early, your boss is talking cobblers.

But here we have it! A case on the forum of someone coming onto the forum returning from Spain saying they are being ordered to come into work! I was said last week on another thread that this would happen, and here we are.

maccat03

bradders1983 said:

There is no provision in the rules for people to get a test to end the "quarantine" early, your boss is talking cobblers.

But here we have it! A case on the forum of someone coming onto the forum returning from Spain saying they are being ordered to come into work! I was said last week on another thread that this would happen, and here we are.

Fair enough, but I had to go I couldn’t stay home on my own.

bradders1983

I am not judging you for going to Spain. Merely pointing out bringing back the Q rules in is going to cause issues between employers and employees, especially employers who dont understand the rules. I am surprised Marks and Spencer dont understand them though.

maccat03

bradders1983 said:

I am not judging you for going to Spain. Merely pointing out bringing back the Q rules in is going to cause issues between employers and employees, especially employers who dont understand the rules. I am surprised Marks and Spencer dont understand them though.

What do you think I should do? I was planning on handing my notice in anyway as soon as I go back.

bradders1983

Who did you actually speak to? Your boss at the shop?

maccat03

bradders1983 said:

Who did you actually speak to? Your boss at the shop?

Yeah. I called and explained i’ve been told to self isolate and he said as I am a key worker I can go to a testing center and get tested and get the test back in 24 hours and if it comes back negative I can go to work.

gary83

old enough to go to work & drive? But not old enough to stay at home?

the government have said you have to self isolate on return from Spain unless you fall into one of these specific categories:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules

Working in retail does not exempt you from needing to isolate, M&S should know better. It’s fairly obvious you’d need to isolate, The average shop worker comes into contact with potentially hundreds of people every shift & (not trying to be rude) it’s highly unlikely that you, or most other people in that or similar roles have unique or essential skills - M&S coped fine whilst you were in Spain, they’ll have to make do without you for another 2 weeks.

bradders1983

Your boss doesnt understand the rules then. Go over his head and ring HR up.

There is no rule yet that says you can end the 14 days with a negative test, key worker or not.

bradders1983

Send your boss this as well:

"If you are tested and receive a negative result for coronavirus, you must continue to self-isolate until you have been in the UK for 14 days"

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-self-isolate-when-you-travel-to-the-uk/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-self-isolate-when-you-travel-to-the-uk

"Shop workers" are certainly not exempt from this rule, the full list is here  - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules

hamnajain

 I was under the impression that the lockdown and qaurantine had affected us already. I haven't left the house in exactly 3 months. Everyday just seems miserable now, except for my little bro. He's the only sunshine I'll allow in my room.