My works CV policy

[Pollony]

My work sent us an email out yesterday with the approach they are taking to CV and I really dont like it, is there anything i can do?

It states that if someone comes down with symptoms in the office we are to shut them in a separate room with a phone tell them to call 111 and carry on with our day.

If we self isolate we need proof from a doctor it has been advised or we will get a disciplinary. (I was under the understanding under the latest advice that would be near impossible)

If our childcare shuts we have to find alternative arrangements and will get 1 days grace with which to do this.

Working from home will not be facilitated.

It just feels like my work dont care, and are almost actively going against government advice. I have severe asthma so am really worried about catching it also there is talks of my childs nursery shutting, I live 70 miles from family and I'm a single mum. I dont know what they expect me to do if it does shut

With that policy your workplace will be decimated very soon anyway. Policy will change when they realise there are not enough rooms to isolate the entire workforce.

That’s appalling. And is why we need stronger measures implemented by government. Drs REALLY aren’t going to have time to write all these sick notes!

Good luck getting proof from a doctor.
Our surgery has cancelled all routine appointments and the doors are locked.
They are letting people in for blood tests and things but checking temperatures before allowing entry and asking about symptoms.

No I dont want to name and shame, it's a small company and haven't worked here 2 years so scared of repercussions I just wondered if anyone had any advice if they what were saying they can actually enforce and what can I do if they are acting illegally rather than just immorally.

Well I would challenge them that drs don't do sick notes for the first 5 days of sickness as you are legally allowed to self certify as not fit for work.

I would look into the parental leave guidelines as I think that's legal too / unpaid leave fit children under 18.

As a small company do they have a hr person? As a lot of their policy sounds made up and ignoring standard legislation.

The self isolating thing is nonsense; the new advise is to SI if you have symptoms and not to call 111 (they'll need to sort this though as it contradicts the enhanced SSP advice). Your GP won't be handing out sick notes, and even in normal circumstances you are legally allowed to self cert for a week.

I understand the pressure companies are under (small business owner myself) but there's no need to be knobs

Can you use the chief medical officers statement yesterday as proof from a doctor that self isolating is necessary? They are medical and their advice applies to all in England / the U.K.??

Lots of workplaces are just panicking and doing silly things. Don't worry until you need to be off.

If the schools start closing there will surely be formal guidance as to what businesses could do.

I am in the same boat in terms of I'd have to be off work too as DH is in the emergency services so unless he's poorly he'll be expected to still turn up for work. My employer knows this.

If we self isolate we need proof from a doctor it has been advised or we will get a disciplinary. (I was under the understanding under the latest advice that would be near impossible)

I'm fairly certain that this is not legal.

Current advice (updated today)

"Statutory Sick Pay will be payable to people who are staying at home on government advice, not just those who are infected, from 13 March 2020 after regulations were laid on 12 March 2020 – employers are urged to use their discretion about what evidence, if any, they ask for

if employees need to provide evidence to their employer that they need to stay at home due to coronavirus, they will be able to get it from the NHS 111 Online instead of having to get a fit note from their doctor – this is currently under development and will be made available soon"

source: here