What about those working Christmas Day?

swinstan

The new limitations for Christmas are understandable but what about those having to work on Christmas day, notably NHS staff? We're in that position and we were planning just one day of (small) family celebration on Boxing Day. Has anyone seen anything suggesting that this is a reasonable adjustment in this situation?

Barny1979

Well have your one day on Boxing Day, so long as others haven't had another day on Christmas Day would be the right thing to do.

Barny1979

This is guidance, so, so long as you apply common sense, you are doing the right thing.

epm-84

The issue of NHS staff and other essential workers was already raised when the plan was to ease the lockdown restrictions for 23-27 but the government weren't willing to offer alternative days for such people.  

It's also not just people working 25th who are going to have an issue, there's no public transport on 25th so it means those without cars can't see relatives over Christmas without breaking the rules, unless they live locally or a support bubble has been formed.

epm-84

Barny1979 said:

This is guidance, so, so long as you apply common sense, you are doing the right thing.

Depends where in the UK you live and where your relatives live.  If you live in London and your relative lives in Wales then it's certainly not just guidance and you'd be breaking both UK and local Welsh law by meeting up on Boxing Day.

swinstan

No, all local in Leicester - 5  mile radius, so all other rules would be observed. Just everything \I have read specifies Christmas Day. As you say, common sense dictates that we are not increasing the risk. 

swinstan

Hadn't though about the transport either. That leaves a lot of other people with problems of course

[Deleted User]

I’d say use common sense in this situation. As pointed out if England than at the moment it’s guidance so not legally enforceable. 

epm-84

swinstan said:

No, all local in Leicester - 5  mile radius, so all other rules would be observed. 

I think Leicester is tier 3, which means unfortunately some of what's recommended advice for tier 1 and tier 2 areas is actually a legal requirement in your area.

swinstan

Yes, we are conforming with every requirement for Tier 3 - except the day, so no increased risk by swapping the day - and if it's not a legal requirement, then we might go ahead. Heart goes out to all those whose problems are not so easily resolved. 

Barny1979

epm-84 said:

Barny1979 said:

This is guidance, so, so long as you apply common sense, you are doing the right thing.

Depends where in the UK you live and where your relatives live.  If you live in London and your relative lives in Wales then it's certainly not just guidance and you'd be breaking both UK and local Welsh law by meeting up on Boxing Day.

I'm presuming the OP is not Tier 4.