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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Manager keeps booking Covid tests for me

372 replies

Jimbellselmbath · 15/11/2020 13:18

We have on site covid testing at my work. No need for symptoms, anybody can have one. A few people go just for 20 minutes away, most don't want one as they do not want to isolate and lose 2 weeks wage (plus partners wage I suppose) if they were to test positive with no symptoms.

Anyway, I don't think they are getting the uptake they anticipated and suspect there are targets managers are being given for testing.
I keep getting texts saying 'your covid test has been booked for xyz' I have not attended any of them.
I had a message on my screen yesterday from my manager saying 'can you do me a favor, I have booked you a covid test for xyz' I still didn't go, manager is off site and there is no way of replying to her.
Today I got a text saying my test has been booked and I must attend even if i do not plan on taking the test (automated type texts- cannot reply)
I don't know whether to go or not. I won't be having the test but I don't think the testers would have any way of stopping these messages as surely they don't have access to that system?
Manager isn't in today, we only cross paths about once a month, i wouldn't know how to contact her outside of this. There are other managers who are more accessible, should I ask those? Is it an HR matter? Do I just keep ignoring the messages as they have not been promoted by me? I feel like complaining about the sneakyness of it all but I don't know who to.
What would you do?

OP posts:
howtobe · 15/11/2020 13:21

I agree that I wouldn’t be dictated to in terms of testing

MrsTwitcher · 15/11/2020 13:21

I would go for the test

ChelseaCat · 15/11/2020 13:22

Why are you so resistant to being tested? Is it your company policy that people need to be tested at certain intervals?

Sounds bizarre that you can’t contact your manager other than once a month Hmm

Sirzy · 15/11/2020 13:23

So your workplace is trying to ensure it is as safe as possible then. I would go for the test

Retiremental · 15/11/2020 13:23

What do you do?
Are you adhering to regulations/guidance outside work in terms of contacts, masks etc?
What support will you get from work financially if you have to isolate?

SometimesMaybe · 15/11/2020 13:25

If employers want people to be tested (which seems like a sensible approach) then they ought to pay people if they are off with a positive test. Tell them your take the test if they cover your sick leave.

AldiAisleofCrap · 15/11/2020 13:25

Take the test, why do you have so little regard for the safety of your colleagues?

angelikacpickles · 15/11/2020 13:25

Do you not have an email address or phone number for your manager?

HotSince63 · 15/11/2020 13:26

No - I wouldn't go for a test if I had no symptoms, and I wasn't being paid if I had to isolate.

Notnownotneverever · 15/11/2020 13:27

I wish my workplace was that bothered about my safety in relation to Covid.

gokartdillydilly · 15/11/2020 13:27

Just get a test, and you'll either test positive or negative, and will then know what to do. Even if you are asymptotic you must isolate at home, otherwise you are risking everyone's life. It's not difficult to understand.

FunnyInjury · 15/11/2020 13:28

Will they keep you on full pay for a positive result?
If not I woudnt bother either tbh.

Is it a 'high risk' workplace?

GirlCalledJames · 15/11/2020 13:28

Go at the stated time, explain that someone else is booking tests in your name and ask what to do. Independently of that you can consider whether you should have a test, but that’s a decision for you, not your manager (assuming the testing scheme is voluntary and not mandatory).

Quarantino · 15/11/2020 13:29

@HotSince63

No - I wouldn't go for a test if I had no symptoms, and I wasn't being paid if I had to isolate.
Yes, I'd only test with no symptoms if it was for a virus with a high asymptomatic spread.

Oh wait Hmm Smile

backinthebox · 15/11/2020 13:29

Go for the test. It’s on work time. My employment requires me to be tested, I had 2 tests last week in 24hrs. Not a problem - why are you so resistant? They are generally being done to keep workplaces safer.

WitchesBritchesPumpkinPants · 15/11/2020 13:30

What do you do?

Why won't you get tested?

liveitwell · 15/11/2020 13:32

What industry do you work in? Presumably they want everyone tested regularly to prevent outbreaks. Are you in a factory type setting?

Are you worried the test will show positive? Personally I'd just take a test. If you do have it, the right thing to do is to isolate even if symptomless. If you don't have it, then no harm done.

I know people don't want to have to isolate but if you have Covid then you have Covid and the right thing to do is stay home.

Cherrysoup · 15/11/2020 13:36

What job do you have where you cannot contact your manager? What madness is that?

Beautiful3 · 15/11/2020 13:43

If I didn't have symptoms then I would not go. Your manager shouldn't be booking you in for tests unless you have symptoms.

Original poster
Jimbellselmbath · 15/11/2020 13:50

No number or email for manager, that is correct. There are managers about that I could go to who would then pass a message on but the last one I sent didn't make it to her.
Factory type setting, yes. Nearest workmate is 5metres away unless passing to toilet/canteen etc. then it is 2metres, floor all marked out and covid guards all over the place enforcing it. Mask on at all times unless eating.
I don't go shopping/ visiting or anywhere outside of work. I don't come into contact with anybody but my immediate family.
It is the fact that they have asked every shift and I have declined so they make the bookings on my behalf. I'm an adult, if I wanted a test, I'd book my own. No pay if absent due to covid and I'm still on probation so would go down as an absence which would extend probation, I'm assuming.

OP posts:
murmurgam · 15/11/2020 13:50

I'm surprised at the setup. Everyone I know where they have on site testing has mandatory 2 week tests.

gassylady · 15/11/2020 13:51

I’m frontline NHS and I can’t get a test at will. What sort of workplace is this?

ktp100 · 15/11/2020 13:52

All of you saying you wouldn't get tested if you didn't have symptoms are wilfully ignoring the asymptomatic stage of Covid. Wouldn't you rather know you had it before symptoms arise so that you could isolate for the sake of your family, friends and colleagues?!!

I really don't see the problem. If your bosses have paid for these tests they are being incredibly proactive in keeping on top of potential outbreaks which can only be commended.

Frankly you sound like a bit of a baby about this.

liveitwell · 15/11/2020 13:53

But why don't you want to?? If you havent been in contact with anyone, and presumably your immediate family are all avoiding places too, then what's the harm in being tested?

Surely if you're on your probation it looks worse to ignore managerial instruction than to miss work due to Covid.

nosswith · 15/11/2020 13:53

I understand being displeased at being repeatedly asked, but you have not really given a reason for declining. Other than wanting to do it yourself, which in a factory environment seems strange.