Scared to go to work

[Scaredtogotowork]

Let me start by saying I appreciate that NHS workers are currently carrying out unbelievable work; I am totally in awe of them. I’m sorry in advance if I sound pathetic.

I work for Sainsbury’s and I am not coping well. I don’t ordinarily suffer from anxiety but I am beyond anxious right now.

I’m on the shop floor (I’m a supervisor) all day. The managers continue to treat us like absolute shit and it’s soul destroying. We have no protective equipment, sanitiser, regular access to hand washing etc. My store is barely regulating traffic in and out of the store. The store is NOT cleaned properly (sorry if that makes people anxious).

I have asthma but am not an “at risk” person. I’m grateful for that but I’m so worried about contracting it.

I just don’t know what to do. I need to work. But I can’t cope with another day in that place and feel at breaking point. You wouldn’t believe the way we are being treated by management.

I’ve read so much conflicting information about rights relating to Covid. To be honest, I’m so exhausted I haven’t the energy to filter through even more information.

I feel at breaking point in this environment.

If you don't feel they are doing an adequate job protecting (and by aren't by the sounds of it), quit, if you can afford to.

Your employer should be doing more to protect you at work. Speak to the HR department about this. I would feel the same as you do

You could try emailing Mike Coupe anonymously. Seriously. And fwiw you and your colleagues have my respect and sympathy.

Thanks for the replies.

I can’t really afford to give up my job (can many people?!) I’m also extremely worried about the prospect of getting another job in this climate. I won’t be applying for retail management roles again in future.

Can key workers legally request to go on unpaid leave for a short time?

I know it would be only a temporary solution, but would your GP sign you off with anxiety for a week or two? I'm not surprised you're anxious, btw - it sounds as though you're working in terrible conditions

Thank you Carolina. The managers are screaming at us. In front of customers. This is normal practise in Sainsbury’s but it’s especially bad at the moment.

I did consider that but it seems so dishonest. I wish I knew how long this will last. I was planning to leave before this and now the job market will be non existent.

What is the process for signing off with anxiety? Would I even be able to get a gp appt? I do t feel I need medication but I am extremely stressed.

Sounds horrible and the total opposite to Tesco's today which couldn't have been trying any harder to do bongs right. Trolley handles were sprayed between customers, hand sanitiser was being used by customers and employees alike, social distancing was working well and overall I would say that the shoppers were really appreciating the efforts of the employees who in turn seemed to respect the calm ordered manner in which people shopped. I guess it's down to the leadership of each particular store.

I work for sainsburys too and it hasn’t been like that at all in our store. Speak to HR, we have a limit of customers allowed in store with queues outside, hand sanitiser at every till and no manager is talking to people like shit (that I’ve seen) it’s all been very pleasant and great teamwork. Not trying to rub it in or anything but it doesn’t sound like they’re following the guidance we’ve all been sent from head office. An anonymous call may put that right. Feel for you, it’s a worrying time.

*The managers are screaming at us. In front of customers. This is normal practise in Sainsbury’s but it’s especially bad at the moment.
*
Speak to HR, this isn't acceptable and I am so sorry you are not only having to deal with anxiety around the virus, but on top of that having to deal with this.

I hated every second of my trip to the supermarket today. Can’t even imagine being in that environment all day, even without bullying management. You have my sympathy, OP.

Tesco have responded really admirably to this crisis. Sainsbury’s couldn’t be further from this approach. Our medium sized store is still allowing 500 people inside the store at one time. My colleague was screamed at for not letting more people in. I went to wash my hands and was screamed at for being “over the top” about my concerns. It was the first time I was able to wash my hands in 5 hours. Managers office is next to the bathroom and they are keeping the door open. This sounds unbelievable but I could go on and on.

I am at my wits end.

Roadrunner - how many customers are you allowing to enter the store//be in the store?
Thanks for your message.

Thanks also for the kind responses, really appreciate it.

TBH I felt my own Sainsbury’s was allowing too many people in and it wasn’t even near 500. Fuck.

It's not dishonest to get signed off if you are genuinely struggling. I work in the NHS (not medical) and have just been signed off with similar. I do feel bad about it as it's all hands to deck atm but I'm afraid I'm no use to anyone when I'm choking back a panic attack several times a day. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

You need to bring this up with someone OP. That’s terrible.

I also work for the NHS and have been signed off with anxiety and panic attacks. To be honest this has been brewing for a few difficult and stressful months and this was the final straw. My GP has signed me off for 4 weeks.
You need to look after yourself physically and mentally. Take care

My DH forgot his lunch today and tried to pop to Sainsburys to get a sandwich. He sent me a picture of everyone queuing to get in whilst standing 2m apart around the car park. He was gutted he couldn't get a sandwich but said it was amazingly organised. Sounds like your store don't have hold of the situation OP. I'd give HR a call and give them heads up it's not in their interest or yours and your colleagues for this to be happening.

Take this further op. Im not surprised its sainsburys who acting as such. For you personality get signed offf sick with anxiety and have a breathing time to rethick and regroup. Im sure tesco, ild
, morrisons etc could offer you similar job. Good luck op but you only life once and this situation isnt fair on you. Xxx

Can key workers legally request to go on unpaid leave for a short time?

You can request, they don’t have to agree

It sounds shit. I’d get signed off sick with stress maybe. Fuck them. They don’t value you.

I agree with PP - even if you get a telephone appointment I would arrange GP appt.

Don't forget you can self certificate for a week with stress and anxiety if you need to, and then see if GP will sign you off after. Your store sounds very poorly managed

I can pm the picture to you OP if it would help at all.

OP you could take some time off and isolate yourself. Work sounds like it’s too stressful for you at the moment. I’m sorry you’re going through this.

ring in saying you are coughing and hot and self isolate. Yes it's dishonest but give yourself the seven days to get it together and then go back.

I feel the same about my TA job next week. Young children don’t unfree 2m rule and they’re nhs staff kids. I feel so conflicted.

They are saying they are getting testing kits. If we report ‘symptoms’ they will test us and if it’s negative we will be expected at work.