WIBU to let my son (16) go to work at McDs

[Orangesandbananas]

My family (four of us) are strictly following social distancing, not having people round, just going out for essential food items, not going to any small gatherings etc.

Son has only worked at McDs for about three weeks, he has been given shifts next week after school.

In common with some other young people, he doesn't seem to be taking the virus very seriously so he'll want to go, and he'll be upset not to be able to have an income.

I feel worried about him transmitting or catching the virus, I really want to help do our bit to flatten the curve, so in that respect want to tell him not to go, but it took him a while to find a job and he'll lose this job if he refuses to go to work during the crisis.

Not sure what to do. What would you do?

FWIW I worked at McDonald's at his age. It's there cleanest, strictest place on food safety and hygiene that I have ever worked. I was married to a chef and worked in lots of restaurants while at uni / saving up to travel and I was so shocked at how dirty they were compared to McDonald's and that food safety was nowhere near as strict. I know this doesn't directly answer your question but I hope it might reassure you a bit.

A friend was sent home from their shift at McDonalds this weekend as trade has dropped right off since going takeout only. You may find it will be similar at his branch.

My local McDonalds is still doing a brisk trade (London).

Ah, I’m Oop Norf, and without the swarms of teenagers the city centre branch is suffering a weekend lull. It’s a good thing I guess, as it means most of the teens are self-isolating!

If there’s no one high risk in your household then please consider letting him keep working - they will be much better at hygiene measures than some smaller places and while not essential, a lot of NHS workers will appreciate being able to get hot food and drinks.
Also it will probably be good for his mental health / reduce the temptation for him in a few weeks or months to start seeing people socially - it’s going to be difficult for everyone including teens as measures get stricter and the months go by.

Supermarkets are essential; fast food restaurants aren't

The government has put in special measures to allow more food businesses to offer takeaways. You might not see them as offering something of value just now, but the government disagrees.

Everyone who planned to go out for lunch today now needs an extra meal from the supermarket. If the takeaways close too, everyone who would usually do that also needs to go to the supermarket.

I'd let him go

I'm just so surprised anyone wants a MDs.

You can't see that a health care worker might want one on the way home because there's little chance of getting something in the supermarkets, most of which have reduced their hours right down? Or a lorry driver, or a member of the armed forces? Just because you've had the luxury of stopping work doesn't mean everyone else has.

@IncyWincyGrownUp

My store is more busy if anything. But we're right off a duel carriageway so maybe that makes a difference.

I suppose it would. This particular store is in the pedestrianised area right in the city centre. No drive through, and now no seating.

They’re actively encouraging NHS and emergency staff to claim their free drinks though.

Dd just said got a message to say all UK McDonald's to close tomorrow night .

Yes DS has had the same.

Thanks for all the replies.

In the end the decision was taken out of my hands as McDs shut before his next shift.

By 'after school' I meant 'after online school' - he still has his usual lesson times but online.