Please delete

chris1

Please delete

bradders1983

Has he actually asked his employer what changes have been made to the workplace, or is this a flat-out refusal to go back in without even taking that into account?

Comms69

Basically, he may as well wait to be sacked, it's a longer process than resigning

Paully28

Can he not retire, assuming he is closer to 66 than not, and just draw out the process until he reaches as near as possible to 66, whilst also looking into benefits system in case he is working as he thinks he cannot afford to retire? 

TELLIT01

Are there any strong physical health reasons for their concern or is this more of a mental health issue?  I'm sure many people in a similar position are extremely nervous of going out into the world again, but will have to at some point.  The longer his isolation continues, the more difficult the situation is likely to become.  He may find it difficult to claim benefits if he quits his job.

Mrsn

Honestly at this point at least have an open conversation with the employer regarding their risk assessment and how they have made the work place COVID secure.

Even if he went down the resignation route how would have to work the notice period however long that might be, and the employer clearly wants them in the work place so we know WFH isn’t going to be an option for even just the notice period.

Going forward 7 months keeping yourself locked away isn’t healthy, I don’t mean that unkindly (I have auto immune conditions that make me vulnerable generally and even I haven’t done that) What is the reason they have not left the house for that long? This needs addressing also.

getmore4less

Why has he not left the house,  there are plenty of activities that are perfectly safe even shielding people could go out.

Have they made the workplace covid safe  ask to see the risk assessment.

How much holiday has been accrued that could be used to cover some of the notice period.

How long has he worked there.

Comms69

chris1 said:

He will not be going into the workplace. He has accepted that his employment will be ending. The question is what would happen from a financial / legal point of view if he were sacked, as opposed to resigning/retiring. He needs to be as ‘MoneySaving’ as possible.

If you mean in terms of benefits then that's down to his situation in terms of savings, assets etc. 

Marcon

chris1 said:

He will not be going into the workplace. He has accepted that his employment will be ending. The question is what would happen from a financial / legal point of view if he were sacked, as opposed to resigning/retiring. He needs to be as ‘MoneySaving’ as possible.

There's a good summary (last updated 13 October) here, which should be helpful for him and possibly for others reading this thread: https://www.makeuk.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-faqs/issues-at-work-on-returning-to-work/employees-being-unable-or-unwilling-to-attend-work

eamon

We can make all sorts of assumptions re your relatives finances but if you don't give us a clue our collective advice/thoughts/opinions will be scatter gun approach.

Nevertheless there are some things to consider and lots of questions to ask.

How close your relative is to actual retirement?

Workplace pensions/Private pension pots? Assuming yes will these be enough until the state pension kicks in?

If there are work place pensions then he needs to ask his employer how to access, if there are any penalties for accessing early, any penalties if he is dismissed or resigns, will they make up their contributions to facilitate all this?

He could really do with speaking to an independent financial advisor when he has all the information to hand. There is advice elsewhere on this site on how to find one. Lastly if going back to work isn't an option going on long term sick may be an option until the pensions (if any) kick in. Not ideal but life is what it is.

74jax

What holiday does he have owing?