Important: Join a union if you can

[LangClegsInSpace]

We said that you should work from home if you can, and only go to work if you must.

We now need to stress that anyone who can’t work from home, for instance those in construction or manufacturing, should be actively encouraged to go to work.

And we want it to be safe for you to get to work. So you should avoid public transport if at all possible – because we must and will maintain social distancing, and capacity will therefore be limited.

So work from home if you can, but you should go to work if you can’t work from home.

And to ensure you are safe at work we have been working to establish new guidance for employers to make workplaces COVID-secure.

And when you do go to work, if possible do so by car or even better by walking or bicycle. But just as with workplaces, public transport operators will also be following COVID-secure standards.

Don't expect these new 'COVID-secure standards' to be any good. Don't expect the government or your employer to safeguard your health and safety at work.

Start here: www.tuc.org.uk/about-unions/find-union-you

Thanks for this - even if you've never been in a union before join one now.
It might be your only protection (PPE anyone?) against the government sanctioned Covid 19 infection lottery!

Yes, agreed absolutely. The Union is basically your personal legal adviser for all things employment related. At best they will work actively with your employer to ensure you are safe at work, at the least they will help you understand your options if PPE and social distancing is not up to scratch. Even if your employer doesn't engage with a Union (eg you're working for a very small business) it's worth joining the relevant union for the advice they can give you.

Bump before bed.

Another bump.

Those people already in a union are going to feel much more supported if being asked to return to work without adequate PPE or distancing.

And another bump from me. Anyone can join a union, you don't need to be public sector and it can be very useful.

Bimpety bump. Join a union!

Also find out who your health and safety rep is. This is the person in your workplace who is responsible for ensuring your employer complies with H&S legislation. They may or may not be attached to a union. Every workplace must have one and if there is no other named H&S rep then it's your employer.

Employers must protect employees, workers and others from getting hurt or becoming unwell through work. There are both criminal and civil sanctions if they fail to do this. These legal duties have not changed because of coronavirus.

Bump! This is so important right now and thanks for the useful info OP and others.

Where do we stand if an employer insists you go into work despite being able to work from home?

Do we have to accept it if they implement distancing? Can the union still do anything to help?

Bump again - this is so important - everyone needs to know their rights. Like Langclegs says your employer's legal duty to look after your health and safety has not changed despite this 'unprecedented' situation.

Don't be fobbed off - if you don't feel safe at work you're probably not!