Member of staff refusing to wear mask!

[Pickle2828]

Hi, long time mumsnetter but have namechanged to avoid outing.

Background... We have a small family business (a shop) which my dad runs but over the last few years he has been stepping back due to ill-health and I have (reluctantly, as this really isn't my forte) been picking up the managerial responsibilities.

We have a member of staff who has worked for us for a number of years. In her personal opinion the risk of covid is low and she is happy taking risks, she has openly said this, she does not want to comply with guidance and legislation regarding covid. Our expectations as employers have been made clear and she has signed a document which covers covid secure practices in line with government guidance and new legislation. Since the legislation changed on Thursday she will not wear her mask except when a customer walks into our shop. She has been asked by other family members to wear her mask at all times, especially when customers can see her in the shop from outside. She reluctantly complied initially but now it seems cannot be bothered and is being more defiant. This is not by any means the first time she has been defiant or disrespectful, but my dad is a big softie so this has not been addressed.

My problems is

1. It's breaking the rules

2.We have a responsibility to the general public/our customers to protect them by wearing masks and ensuring our employees do too and non compliance can result in £10,000 fine /closure 3.If she were to pick up covid we would have a much higher chance of catching it from her if she is not wearing a mask (not to mention my dad is in poor health and is clinically vulnerable)

She is not exempt and has never claimed to be.

How do I proceed?

When all the media outlets and articles have specifically said mask, why would you deliberately try and get around that by using a visor?

I'm not trying to 'get round' anything

I am merely explaining why you are wrong in what 'the law states'.

@LangClegsInSpace

When all the media outlets and articles have specifically said mask, why would you deliberately try and get around that by using a visor?

I'm not trying to 'get round' anything

I am merely explaining why you are wrong in what 'the law states'.

No need to get defensive, it was a general "you" - not aimed at anyone in particular.

I might be "wrong in law" but I suspect an employer who allows their staff not to wear masks may find themselves on the receiving end of a fine.

Why would they want to risk that?

No need to get defensive, it was a general "you" - not aimed at anyone in particular.

That's not how it came across.

@LangClegsInSpace

No need to get defensive, it was a general "you" - not aimed at anyone in particular.

That's not how it came across.

My original post was quoting someone who said their employer wasn't insisting on masks and that they were ordering visors.

My response was aimed at that employer - it wasn't aimed at you.

As an employer, I would be sticking with the guidance which states a face covering must securely fit around the face. A visor doesn't do that. I don't understand why any employer would be risking a fine or huge backlash at the moment. Seems a bit stupid to me.

Wow that's a lot of replies! Thank you everyone!
I feel relieved to know I'm not being petty or nitpicking. I will sit her down for a chat today and if she continue to refuse I will be sending her home without pay.

Don't know you're exact position, but does she have to wear one under health and safety, in this case safety to her colleagues.

I don't think anyone is trying to 'get round ' anything. I spent the whole day wearing a mask and it was hot and uncomfortable and sweaty by the end of my shift. I imagine my employers are trying to make their employees more comfortable in their jobs. I did some research today and visited a few bars.restaurants and quite a few are wearing visors . They cover the nose and mouth so I'm guessing they think they are following guidelines. Again it seems unclear what is acceptable or not....

@Tadpolesandfroglets

I don't think anyone is trying to 'get round ' anything. I spent the whole day wearing a mask and it was hot and uncomfortable and sweaty by the end of my shift. I imagine my employers are trying to make their employees more comfortable in their jobs. I did some research today and visited a few bars.restaurants and quite a few are wearing visors . They cover the nose and mouth so I'm guessing they think they are following guidelines. Again it seems unclear what is acceptable or not....

@Tadpolesandfroglets Other places may well not be following the rules and wearing visors instead, but actually face coverings are defined as:

“ In the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, a face covering is something which safely covers the nose and mouth. You can buy reusable or single-use face coverings. You may also use a scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth covering but these must securely fit round the side of the face

• which a visor does not. It’s a pain and a visor is much more comfortable but it’s just really not effective - there was a study recently which showed how many droplets escaped easily through all the empty space all around the sides of your face. Quite obvious when you think about it!

I think that’s possible a moot point as these visors were wrap around and did actually cover the sides of the face securely. Hopefully the government will be more specific about what they really want us to do.

I wonder if visors would be more effective with a cloth "skirt" that goes around the neck, preventing droplets leaving but still letting someone have space between face and covering, so as not to get too sweaty.

@Tadpolesandfroglets out of interest how did they attach round the bottom and sides of the face/round the chin etc? I’ve only ever seen the ones which have a gap at the bottom like these (pic)