To quit my job because it’s filthy?

[Arkon]

I need some perspective. Returned to work today, employers are a small family run business and I work in a small office / stock holding area. Although hand sanitizer has been provided, there is mess and clutter everywhere, surfaces, desks and touch points visibly dirty. Extremely difficult to move around the building without tripping over something, frankly a fire risk never mind a COVID risk.... and impossible to socially distance. Staff still sharing pens and office equipment etc

I’m feeling incredibly anxious about it all but I know jobs are tough to find at the moment. I have enough savings to manage for perhaps 3 months and not sure what to do for the best.

YABU - stick it out
YANBU - it’s unsafe, quit

If I were you I'd start tidying up and cleaning it. See if you can persuade other staff members to help. We've furloughed our cleaner, and our place of work has largely been lying dormant for months. All hands on deck just now.

Raise it with your boss. Suggest that you and some others tidy and clean to make the area safe. Then you could have a rota of cleaning "touch point" areas, for example every 2 hours or so and some signs to remind people to wash their hands.
If things dont improve then see how you feel but I wouldn't quit without trying.

I should mention, it’s always been rather dirty and before being furloughed it was generally me who cleaned because nobody else would bother. I presumed that with current events they would have stepped up in my absence but it’s worse than ever. I’ve mentioned it to my boss before and they dismissed it, I’m the only staff member outwith the family so it’s a bit more difficult.

The Government will have sent them guidance on safe workplaces during the pandemic. Ask them for a copy of the risk assessment they should have done as part of that guidance.

We are a tiny operation (under 20), and we have done stacks. Now down to a max 8 in the building, screens between desks, no hot desking, signage up for each room saying how many are allowed.

There's a huge stock of wipes/sprays/gloves/masks for everyone to use as needed.

Your work are falling way way short.

I would apply for other jobs while you still have this one. Three months might not be enough in the current situation...

wheresmymojo

That makes sense, I’m getting ahead of myself but think I’ve realised I can’t go on there any longer. Will start applying

Apply but don't leave until you've secured something. 3 months is not long. Sounds horrific, you have my sympathies.

I wonder if you can make a report to HSE?