So how is all this ‘open only for key workers’ thing going to work then?

[FlamingoAndJohn]

Really is doesn’t seem to mean anything.

I can’t really teach a random selection of children.

Glad I've shown some of you another side to this. I don't want anyone to go out of business or to feel miserable, bored and trapped. And as much as I am a hypocrite, I get why people want to send cards and order online when the shops are shut. I went back out after I finished earlier to deliver some late Mother's Day cards to some sheltered housing we deliver to. We do understand, but it's a balancing act. At times like this we need to be extra careful and hold off on non-essentials so that we can cope / protect ourselves too. It's a hard balancing act. The best thing would be if the Royal Mail & the government made a few tough choices so that we don't have to squabble about it amongst ourselves!

Can I get some opinions please. I'm a key worker. Not essential services but my local authority is classing all staff as key workers. I have a 12 year old asthmatic DD and DS is 4 so not in full time Ed yet. His nursery has kept a key worker worker place for DS which I'll still have to pay for. But I am completely anxious about sending him given the risk to DD. My dept has decided on no visits, client facing appointments etc. But the other day my manager said I can WFH and come into the office when I need to and his words "stick DS in nursery" when I do.

To me this defies the whole idea of social distancing. How the hell do you get a 4 year old to stay 2 metres from other people whilst in a nursery setting. It's just increasing the chance of transmission imo.

MN opinions welcome on this please.

I read earlier that one of the reasons it is still spreading in Italy is because too many offices remain open. Work From Home!!

The government needs to be clearer to employers

@buttonmoonb4tea why would you ever need to go in to the office? I am also a key worker and my organisation also has a function that would require customer facing visits which will be suspended. I can't imagine why they would need to go into the office. I would push for 100% home working. Say your child is in vulnerable group.

Thank you @jewel1968 my DD is effectively in the vulnerable group. The reason I would be required to go into the office is due to providing representation of clients at tribunals. The tribunal service has said they want to still do oral hearings and in order for these still to go ahead the appeal papers need to be used and these are all in the office.

There must be some way of getting these papers sent to us digitally and I think this is something I'm going to have to raise with my manager.

@buttonmoonb4tea - do a health and safety risk assessment on yourself. You should be able to find a template on your organisation website. Be very explicit on the risk going to the office puts you and family in. Nothing focuses the mind more than putting things in writing. Your employer has a duty of care to you. Will see if I can find anything online to help you.

www.cipd.co.uk/news-views/coronavirus/faqs. For @buttonmoonb4tea

Thanks @jewel1968 that's helpful