If over 70s are confined for 4 months will they lose their jobs?

[TheLoveOfMoney]

So my Dad still works full time, loves his job and has an annual eye and health check and is in good shape. If the government enforce confinement, do those that work lose their jobs? I'm genuinely worried for him. He has worked since he was 9. If he was trapped in his house for months I would fear for his mental health. I think this move could be a death sentence for many and not related to covid 19.

If your Dad is still working then I presume he has to go to work (or work from home) or lose his job. Self isolation is a recommendation not an order.

I’m not sure if it will be enforced as such, ie it will be illegal if they leave the house. From what I understand the over 70s will just be ‘told’ to self isolate. And I don’t think they will all adhere to it.
For some it will be impossible as quite a few have jobs, like your dad (my mum is also still working).
Also doesn’t make much sense as they were talking about bringing back retired drs to help fight the virus?!

I would have hoped that the Government will stop firms from sacking over 70s with jobs, in the same way the populations of Italy and Spain aren’t all losing their jobs as a result of being on lock down.

I am under 70 but have a health condition which means I am likely to be told to self-isolate for 4 months. I think I’ll lose my zero-hours work. The other work they won’t pay me unless there are things I can do at home. I don’t think they can sack me if I am following government advice though.

I dont know, but if my Dad, and his business partner (70 and 77 respectively) both self isolate, the business will likely go bust, losing 10 other people their jobs. That's if the business survives anyway.
But business partner has already had sepsis this year, so guess that leaves Dad to hold it all together. I'm worried for him whichever way it goes

If he’s got more than 2 years service I would be pretty sure he’d have a decent punt at an unfair dismissal claim for following government advice. Perhaps also an age discrimination claim as well.

For being dismissed for following government advice

I dont know, but if my Dad, and his business partner (70 and 77 respectively) both self isolate, the business will likely go bust, losing 10 other people their jobs. That's if the business survives anyway.
But business partner has already had sepsis this year, so guess that leaves Dad to hold it all together. I'm worried for him whichever way it goes

Well that might happen anyway if we go into lockdown. It’s shit.

Does anyone know what the underlying conditions are?

lots of people are going to lose their jobs.

Plenty of retired people are in their 50s/early 60s. I'd suggest the government was thinking of them rather than conscripting 70 & 80 year olds to be NHS cannon fodder. But I'm sure someone will be along to disagree with me asap!

I don’t think it’s just those over 70 at risk or losing jobs. Lots of people will be. Very worrying times.

The lockdown in Spain has exceptions for people going to work. Seems to be aimed more at reducing social contact.

I wasn't worried till this weekend. My Dad is a driver, has all the licenses, so may be called on to help? (She muses hopefully)

@Wildboar no they haven’t said.