I’m a Support Worker (non-statutory) in a Tier 3 area. My job involves helping people manage their tenancies (utilities, budgeting, signposting, advocacy, etc.). I WFH during lockdown period and, to my surprise, I achieved a lot with my clients (almost all my normal duties) with just telephone / email support.
My employer started relaxing things about a month ago, stating we could start visiting people in their own homes again (wearing full PPE) and come back to the office but we have to wear a face mask if we move from our desks, can’t pass people in corridors and must wipe down everything we touch.
The thing is there’s nothing I can do at the office that I can’t do from home. The other thing is, the majority of our clients are clinically vulnerable in one way or another. I could totally understand the pressure to return to normal working if we’d not just been plunged into Tier 3! It’s as though they’re sticking their fingers in their ears and going LA LA LA to the fact that we’re not on a downward curve any more and cases in our area are skyrocketing.
So, AIBU to think my employer is acting irresponsibly?