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Original poster

Why do they make announcements so late with no time for clarification

38 replies

StripeyLurcher · 10/05/2020 20:38

It's so frustrating that they have timed it this way. I know they said more details will come out tomorrow, but that's a bit late for those who suddenly have to go back to work in the morning.

OP posts:

Peggysgettingcrazy · 10/05/2020 20:41

I dont think anyone will be going back to work tomorrow, unless its already been arranged.

NuffSaidSam · 10/05/2020 20:43

So they can gauge the response tomorrow and be ready (prepare some bluster) for the questions/criticisms that will come tomorrow night when he takes some questions.

Snorkelface · 10/05/2020 20:45

But what details do you need. People only need to go back into the work if their employer tells them to and they can't work from home and aren't on furlough (furlough having a minimum of three weeks per stint). It's up to employers to 'encourage' their workers to return and make sure they won't be at risk in the workplace.

DahliaDay · 10/05/2020 20:47

He mentioned Wednesday, nobody is going back tomorrow

Apolloanddaphne · 10/05/2020 20:57

No one is suddenly going back to work in the morning. You need to wait for clarification from your employer. I know my DHs company put out a notice on Thursday to say that no matter what was announced today nothing would change with regards to their work from home arrangements.

Original poster

StripeyLurcher · 10/05/2020 20:58

He did say tomorrow for going back to work, although I realise many people won't be asked to go in straight away.

OP posts:

Snorkelface · 10/05/2020 20:58

Wednesday was only about exercise.

TimothyTerrible · 10/05/2020 20:59

He said Wednesday, not Monday

Peppafrig · 10/05/2020 21:01

@Snorkelface we need to find out what we are meant to do with ours kids if we need to go back to work this week and childcare isn't allowed to open. Will they be classed as keywords children and get to attend school. Will employers be allowed to sack employees who can't return as they have no childcare? Or will they be allowed to stay on furlough ?

BamboozledandBefuddled · 10/05/2020 21:04

He actually said 'this week' This is from his speech: 'And the first step is a change of emphasis that we hope that people will act on this week. 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.'

Peggysgettingcrazy · 10/05/2020 22:10

Yes people can start preparing to go back to work tomorrow.

But I very much doubt anyone who was expecting to be off tomorrow, is now expected in.

BamboozledandBefuddled · 10/05/2020 22:21

DH's employer phoned him last week. Furlough extended until the 15th and they'll be in touch by then, following the government review/announcement/updates. I get the impression they're the only employer in the country who's had the sense to do this. Everyone else seems to be under the impression that they're due back at work first thing tomorrow morning.

Peggysgettingcrazy · 10/05/2020 22:25

Anyone who works for us and us still furloughed (about 80%) are back, were emailed and told an update would be after Boris speech.

I think alot of companies did. We have a calls with the HSE and then our board this week, then updates.

I might wrong, but I cant imagine many people just going to work tomorrow without confirmation from their employer.

BamboozledandBefuddled · 10/05/2020 22:32

Looking at some of the comments on here, I wouldn't bet on it.

I suppose this moves us a step closer to finding out if DH has a job to go back to or if it's redundancy. Might as well have another while we can still afford it!

LeSquigh · 10/05/2020 22:37

Clearly no one is going to be expected to turn up for work tomorrow morning with all new procedures in place. From tomorrow businesses that will reopen will start to plan.

mummyh2016 · 10/05/2020 22:53

For everyone saying no one will be in work tomorrow that wasn't going to be in anyway, my DH had been furloughed but within 5 mins of the update finishing he had a message off his boss telling him he was being unfurloughed and he's back in from 8am tomorrow.

Peggysgettingcrazy · 10/05/2020 22:57

But he has been told.

Peggysgettingcrazy · 10/05/2020 23:01

And employers have to give reasonable notice. I would say 12 hours isn't reasonable notice.

And they need to have put social diatancing measures in place or PPE of thats not possible.

ragged · 10/05/2020 23:04

I think they had hoped to say more definite things today, but had to hold back because of emerging science, delays in producing the 50 page document.

I also predict very little schooling or training in next 12-18 months. :(

Derbygerbil · 10/05/2020 23:14

It begs the question, why was he furloughed in the first place?! If there’s work to be done, the business isn’t curtailed like non-essential retail or entertainment, and his boss needed to make no special workplace arrangements (which he clearly didn’t if he called within 5 minutes!), it seems strange.

Bunnyfuller · 10/05/2020 23:18

You answered your own question

DippyAvocado · 10/05/2020 23:23

Will employers be allowed to sack employees who can't return as they have no childcare?

This is a very important question.

Peggysgettingcrazy · 11/05/2020 00:25

This is a very important question.

No, that's why they have to give reasonable notice.

But reasonable can be different for different people. But employers are being told they need to give people time to sort things.

We gave a minimum of 3 working days. Usually 5 working days, plus a weekend.

Peppafrig · 11/05/2020 00:43

But unless kids are allowed to go back to school and all wrap around care starts back too. Notice won't really do anything . If there is no childcare available and we can't use elderly grandparents for school pick ups etc . My work can give me a week or two to sort things but there won't be nothing I can do without childcare.

DippyAvocado · 11/05/2020 00:43

Reasonable notice to sort what though? You can't magic up childcare if schools and childcare providers are shut. You can give all the notice in the world but if there is no childcare, what are employees supposed to do?
Are parents who can't leave their children alone going to lose their jobs? Will there be some sort of paid parental leave allowed?

I'm lucky in the sense that both DH and I are both teachers so my DC will be allowed in school once we both have to be in school full-time. We've been able to juggle rotas so far. But if they don't open up the before and after-school provision I don't know what I would do other than come to an arrangement with my employer. I have no family nearby. Friends are all working from home so aren't going to want my DC around. No childminders where I live - they gave up when the school wraparound provision opened up.

Will it be women who are expected to leave their jobs if they can't work because their children are at home?

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