Employer telling us not to go out to restaurants and bars?

[RootsnAll]

We’ve been told by the head of our department that we aren’t to go out to restaurants or bars as that’s where Covid is being spread the most. Obviously I understand the reasoning behind but surely they can’t tell us what to do/not do in our spare time? AIBU?

We’ve worked throughout the pandemic in the office as our work is essential but we wear masks constantly (unless eating or drinking away from others) and keep socially distanced at all times. Lots of hand washing and hand sanitising. Not in a job that involves visiting or seeing other people outside of the department.

Not sure if I’m being unreasonable feeling fed up being told what to do? I keep to the gov rules etc but going out for a drink with my husband is such a nice break after a hectic week at work.

[Usergroundzero]

@Iconical

I think I trust the data from Wetherspoons more than the government

32 million visits. 66 positive staff, 40 in isolated cases.

On the bbc news today

That suggests to me that ours are pretty safe places to be.

Wow.

[Tootletum]

Unemployment will soon be in double digits. People defaulting on mortgage, repossessions, families will be sitting on the streets. And that's because of the restrictions, not because of the virus itself. If you have kids, you'll be first out the door as you will have been forced to take time off multiple times when school sends your kid home.

[Oliversmumsarmy]

Dd is a regular visitor to the local Weatherspoons.
Spends a lot of time in there with her friends

She has regular Covid tests because of her work which have all come back negative.

[Iconical]

Since reopening on 4 July, the company said some 32 million people have visited its 861 open pubs.

Forty of its pubs have reported one worker testing positive for the coronavirus and six have disclosed two. In addition, two pubs reported three staff testing positive and another two said four workers had.

[Tomatoesneedtoripen]

@19lottie82

Have they told you, or advised you?

this, i bet you were simply advised.

what is the exact wording?
care to expound ?

[DarklyDreamingDexter]

So it’s ok for you to go into the office, potentially on public transport, but not ok to go out to a restaurant in your own time? Cheeky fucker.

[RootsnAll]

We were verbally told that they’re the worst places to be going so we cant go to them as the company doesn’t want anyone off sick. Really gave the impression that it’s an order not just advice. Nothing in writing.
One of the other managers is going out for dinner tonight so is thinking of asking for clarification of what the consequence would be. Luckily I’m fairly boring so would be easy for me to stick too but still didn’t seem right.

[Kolsch]

I would be telling them to Bob off. Even my own husband doesn't get to tell me whether I can go to the bar or a restaurant or not!

[ameliajoan]

Really gave the impression that it’s an order not just advice.

Of course they did, because they know it’s not enforceable so their only way to try and get people to follow it is by intimidation.

Your other manager would be a fool to ask for clarification. Just don’t tell them your business

[vanillandhoney]

Really gave the impression that it’s an order not just advice. Nothing in writing

That's because they know it's not enforceable. They're not allowed to tell you what to do with your free time (assuming what you're doing is legal).

[Tomatoesneedtoripen]

It is not official, don't get your knickers in a twist

[Tomatoesneedtoripen]

They don't need to know what you do

[BrizNiz]

What you do in your spare time has got absolutely nothing to do with your employer.

[RootsnAll]

Ok thanks all! He’s a bit difficult generally anyway but at least I know it’s not enforceable

[ameliajoan]

@RootsnAll

Ok thanks all! He’s a bit difficult generally anyway but at least I know it’s not enforceable

How long have you worked there?

[Babyroobs]

@Fungster

Your employer can't stop you, but it's good advice they're giving you. I'm amazed that people are going to bars and restaurants at the moment.

Yes this exactly, and whilst your employer can't tell you what to do it's going to have a massive effect on them if you catch it and the whole office has to close.

[PurpleDaisies]

whilst your employer can't tell you what to do it's going to have a massive effect on them if you catch it and the whole office has to close.

So the op is not to see any friends or family, not to go to the supermarket, or do any of the hundreds of other things that are allowed by law?

[Babyroobs]

@PurpleDaisies

whilst your employer can't tell you what to do it's going to have a massive effect on them if you catch it and the whole office has to close.

So the op is not to see any friends or family, not to go to the supermarket, or do any of the hundreds of other things that are allowed by law?

I'm not saying that but supermarket shopping is essential, going to a pub isn't. It's about individuals taking as few risks as possible. Everyone knows by now how to minimize risk. At the end of the day if a business has to keep closing because everyone has to self isolate then it's going to put jobs at risk. Collective responsibility to minimize risk.

[averythinline]

it absoluetly not their right to say anything ... however a lot of people do not realise how little employment rights most people have....
basically fuck all with less than 2 year service or 0 hours contract...

employers will get rid of peopple with high levels of sickness and would probably be able to justify anything because of covid impact... so I would be curtailing activity (even if I wasnt already as clincally vulnerable family) on the grounds I want to minimise risk....

[janetmendoza]

Surely it depends on how long you have been there? I was of the understanding that you can be let go for ANY reason if you have been working there under two years. If so I guess it is enforceable for those who have been there less than two years, even if the company may never admit the reason, they can just let the 'offenders' go, and offer no reason.

[janetmendoza]

Sorry cross posted with Averythinline

[vanillandhoney]

I'm not saying that but supermarket shopping is essential, going to a pub isn't. It's about individuals taking as few risks as possible. Everyone knows by now how to minimize risk. At the end of the day if a business has to keep closing because everyone has to self isolate then it's going to put jobs at risk. Collective responsibility to minimize risk.

What about all the jobs in hospitality that will be lost if people keep refusing to visit restaurants, bars and cafes? Or do the millions of people in those industries not matter anymore?

[SaltyAndFresh]

@RubbishRobotFromTheDawnOfTime

It's like someone taking part in horse jumping or rugby or skiing at the weekends and ending up off sick with an injury. Of course they are free to do it, but you can understand colleagues and employers being a bit annoyed that someone is off work because they knowingly put themselves at risk.

Um, no it isn't. A risky hobby, undertaken voluntarily, is in no way the same as going about normal social activities following current pandemic guidelines.

[msflibble]

God this reminds me of the awful school I went to proclaiming that all pupils had to wear our blazers on the way to and from school, outside of school hours and grounds, regardless of weather. You should ignore this stasi bullshit. You can do what you want in your own time.

[PurpleDaisies]

I'm not saying that but supermarket shopping is essential, going to a pub isn't. It's about individuals taking as few risks as possible.

What about the risks to people’s jobs?

The pubs, restaurants and cafes round here have worked really hard to reopen safely.

Where do you draw the line on absolutely minimising your risk of catching Covid and supporting local business (and having a better quality of life)? And businesses like the op’s should have reopened in a covid safe way that minimises their risks of any employees infecting each other.

My dh sometimes goes to the pub and will almost certainly infect me if he catches Covid. Does my employer have a right to suggest I tell him to stay home?