Can they sack me ? Coronavirus related

[Ipadipod]

I have mild symptoms of covid and have had had to leave work, I came off of furlough on Monday. I’m being tested tomorrow but I’m worried I’ll be sacked having only been at the company since December.
Can they do this ?

I don't know for certain but I'd say definitely cannot sack you as you are following government guidelines

They could, as self isolating doesn’t protect you from dismissal, and you have short service, but imagine the PR so I would hope they won’t

I’m really worried, people shouldn’t be caught between doing the right thing and possibly losing their job .

They'd have to be a shit employer to sack you. Hiring people costs money why go through the of hassle. If they already want to cut staff or you're not performing well they could get rid of you anyway.

You've been there less than 2 years, so they can let you go if they wish, without a reason.

However, they're going to need to think hard otherwise they'll end up with no staff within a few months.

I hope you get your test back quickly.

If it was me, I'd isolate for at least 7 days anyway if I had symptoms

So far they’re pleased with my performance and have noticed an improvement in the department so fingers crossed. They are notorious for being ruthless though.

I agree with you OP. Sadly without some changes and additional employment law protections for self isolating people it is what it is sadly :(

On another note a colleague from a different department has asked 2 of my team for my phone number because she’s worried about catching it off me and one of them bloody gave it to her . She called me asking me to let her know the result ASAP , I’m furious .

They shouldnt have but maybe she has a child about to go back to school who could infect 15 other families or someone vulnerable in her house she needs to stay away from.
It probably doesnt lok good to come back from furlough with something as it will look like you werent SD but i have sympathy as we havent left the house but managed to get something plus obviously people need to go to the supermarket.

She lives alone and has no children, I have followed the rules about social distancing etc, haven’t been to the supermarket in about 8 days. Wish I could say the same since being back at work- it’s been awful, everyone is on top of each other ( she is in the floor above me) . Large groups of clients coming in together, it’s meant to be only groups of 2 but management have turned a blind eye.