Working and living with a shielding child

[mumum1]

Hello,

I've been asked to go back to work after initially being on furlough. Looking forward to getting back to work and seeing my colleagues etc. My work involves fairly close contact with the general public but I understand PPE will be provided.

However my youngest is shielding as she's been classed as extremely vulnerable. As a family we've not left the house since we got the letter hence also why I'm looking forward to returning to work.

She's only 6. Will returning to work mean I will need to keep my distance away from her at home? How have other working parents been able to protect shielding children at home?

The logistics of it all is making me a little anxious about returning to work.

Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you

Thank you everyone for your replies.

Since we got the initial letter from the NHS, we've had a few phone calls to see if we're doing ok but no other updates on her shielding status.I've made a telephone appointment with her GP later on today just to talk through her risk. Hopefully it'll be more clear where we stand.

As far as work is concerned until she stops shielding, I won't go back to work but I suppose it depends on what is said by my manager today whether it'll be unpaid leave or I'll be kept on furlough

I've been 'teaching' both DD at home since lockdown so that's another thing I will need to consider, although I know there are many of you out there working and still needing to teach.

It's all about confusing, knowing what my rights are at work and what the best thing to do.

Hello, so our circumstances are a bit different in that I'm sheilding (from a transplant) but have 2 children at home with me under 5. Husband is a key worker and has had to still go to work etc every day. I spoke to my transplant consultant and recommended we do the following, he comes in from work washes hands, showers, changes clothes, cleans teeth and mouthwash and then sees us. Depending on your child's circumstances, and assuming you have a partner at home to provide childcare you may be able to return to work assuming you put in extra steps to sanitise yourself before giving her a kiss /hug - don't get me wrong it won't be easy for you or her, but hopefully will allows you to return to work if there is no alternative

@midgetem

Thank you that helps.

I will request unpaid leave/staying on furlough. If that's not possible at least I know what's the best way to protect DD. Will also be checking with GP and trying to contact DD's consultant

Hi, you would be better asking her consultant than the GP. They will have more information as to how her specific condition / medication will affect her risk. Unless it’s very clearcut her GP won’t know. Hope you get it sorted.

I've spoken to the GP and she advised to continue to shield for the time being. DD has had a hospital admission within the year and needed oxygen. So GP advised to continue with what we're doing and to wait for any changes in the guidance.

I've let my employer know. Unfortunately WFH wasn't an option. I could do a role which would limit contact with people however I would still need to go to work.

Employers will get back to be whether they will continue to furlough me or if I need to take unpaid leave.

Thank you for all you replies and advise

You can't. It's as simple as that. If you are coming into contact with anyone you won't be shielding unless you live separately from your DD. You are allowed out for walks with social distancing and I think you can see people at home if they stay in the garden at 2 m, but the social bubble excludes shielders.

I'm on unpaid leave now. Initially furloughed but that has now stopped.

My daughter is sheilding and due to this I am wfh until she is no longer shielded. The letter alone is enough for an employer to allow to you work from home.

I am currently In hospital after having emergency surgery and my consultant has i me not to return home. I must go somewhere else for a week and isolate before I return.

Your daughters health must come first Imo