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Original poster

I’ve written my notice. Someone tell me I’ve done the right thing...

591 replies

readyplayer2 · 27/02/2021 15:06

I’m due back to work in 4 weeks time after being on maternity leave for 14 months.

I work in a large office and my employer throughout the whole pandemic hasn’t sent anyone to work from home!

I’m 35 have a BMI of 40 and I’m asthmatic, I also have psoriasis for which I am unmedicated.

I’ve been extremely careful, limiting social contact, avoiding supermarkets etc since last year.

I’ve written to my employer as asked if I can wfh but today have received a written response to my request which states that due to business requirements, I will need to be back into the office.

I’m due to work 3 days a week and my son will go to nursery.

I’ve weighed up my risks and I feel like it’s too much of a risk me being in the office and my son being at nursery.

My husband wfh and has done since last March!

I feel like my son would benefit so much from nursery but I just don’t think it’s worth the risk to me, especially if it means I could leave him without a mother.

I was hoping I would be vaccinated by the time I go back to work but I haven’t heard a single thing, I had a Drs appointment last week and they confirmed I am group 6 and need to wait my turn.

I can’t extend my return to work date as I’ve already done this and used all of my annual leave allowance.

Hate what Covid has done to us all :(

OP posts:
Brightermornings · 27/02/2021 15:27

I think you need to speak to work and maybe go in and see what it's like. My company is offering regular testing as we are a wholesale business. I'm in the office but still get tested twice a week.

MrDarcysMa · 27/02/2021 15:27

Have you put in a flexible working request? That have to consider that by law and the onus is on them to explain why it's a no, which is difficult.

Secondly, they by law must share their Covid risk assessment with you outlining all the measures they've taken. Have they done that?

Jackie2022 · 27/02/2021 15:27

Are you vulnerable though? Or just anxious? There’s absolutely no right to work from home, so you’ll have to look for another employer that offers what you want

MiddleParking · 27/02/2021 15:28

You’ll be giving up your job for the sake of a maximum of a few weeks’ slight risk. Four weeks til you go back and you’re very likely to be vaccinated in that time, so it’s maximum three weeks without protection, during which time most things will still be locked down so the spread will be low, plus your office has at least some Covid security measures in place. I absolutely wouldn’t. Have you sent the notice or just written it?

Notabove25 · 27/02/2021 15:28

That's absolute madness. How would you manage if everyone took the same approach, with no food supplies, healthcare, deliveries? I note you were happy for DC to go to nursery so you could wfh or their staff to work, but not to do it yourself?

You're at a slightly higher risk, but it's still a minute risk.

What has the infection rate been like at your place of work? How many people have been seriously ill?

Original poster
readyplayer2 · 27/02/2021 15:28

@NoParticularPattern

You need to speak to your employer. No one on here is going to advise that you leave yourself financially vulnerable because you won’t ask them how the office is covid secure. Ask to see their risk assessment and get them to tell you what they’ve put in place as a result of that.
@NoParticularPattern

I have, I put my concerns in writing and I received a letter from them today.

OP posts:
Original poster
readyplayer2 · 27/02/2021 15:30

@MrDarcysMa

Have you put in a flexible working request? That have to consider that by law and the onus is on them to explain why it's a no, which is difficult.

Secondly, they by law must share their Covid risk assessment with you outlining all the measures they've taken. Have they done that?

@MrDarcysMa

I did put in flexible working when I went from full to part time.
This was accepted.

My most recent request was to work from home due to being vulnerable to Covid.

OP posts:
LIZS · 27/02/2021 15:30

You haven't spoken to them though. Are you in contact with any colleagues?

Original poster
readyplayer2 · 27/02/2021 15:30

@Jackie2022

Are you vulnerable though? Or just anxious? There’s absolutely no right to work from home, so you’ll have to look for another employer that offers what you want
@Jackie2022

Well my GP thinks I’m vulnerable. I’m in group 6.....

OP posts:
Original poster
readyplayer2 · 27/02/2021 15:30

@LIZS

You haven't spoken to them though. Are you in contact with any colleagues?
@LIZS

Only my manager.

OP posts:
LIZS · 27/02/2021 15:31

Have you been advised to shield?

LIZS · 27/02/2021 15:31

Ask for a video call?

Original poster
readyplayer2 · 27/02/2021 15:32

@MiddleParking

You’ll be giving up your job for the sake of a maximum of a few weeks’ slight risk. Four weeks til you go back and you’re very likely to be vaccinated in that time, so it’s maximum three weeks without protection, during which time most things will still be locked down so the spread will be low, plus your office has at least some Covid security measures in place. I absolutely wouldn’t. Have you sent the notice or just written it?
@MiddleParking

But I would have to send my son to nursery in 2 weeks for his settling in sessions.

I’ve typed it and printed it out. I only had their response today so haven’t yet sent my notice.

OP posts:
Delatron · 27/02/2021 15:32

I wouldn’t hand your notice in due to COVID. You are likely to be vaccinated in the next few weeks and even without this your risk will be low for serious complications. In this climate surely it will be hard to find a new job.

However, your employer does sound very inflexible so for that reason with a young child you may want to start to look for a new job? What will happen when you child is ill? Can your DH cover illness?

It’s much easier to find a job when you’re still in a job...

Original poster
readyplayer2 · 27/02/2021 15:32

@LIZS

Have you been advised to shield?
@LIZS

No I haven’t.

I’m vulnerable but not extremely vulnerable.

OP posts:
slidingdrawers · 27/02/2021 15:32

They've obviously been flexible, changing you from full to part time. I'd recommend speaking to a colleague or could you ask for a KIT day/informal visit between now and your return date?

CherryFox · 27/02/2021 15:33

Don't hand your notice in if you need the money.

The way things are going the risk will be small in a months time. You might even be vaccinated by then. We are so close to life being so much less scary... resigning now would be very short sighted.

I've worked in a school throughout, no 2m distance either- up close with special needs teenagers. I've not had Covid. Obviously there are no guarantees anywhere but currently the risk isn't high, and as others have pointed out you'd be hugely unlucky to be seriously ill; odds of you having a mild dose are stacked in your favour even with your BMI and CV status.

If you really can't do it then in your shoes I'd sooner get signed of with stress than resign. I think you'll be fine though, it's only a month or two before everything starts becoming more normal.

blue25 · 27/02/2021 15:34

I think you’re making a mistake. Look at the bigger picture.

Everyone else is working in the office at your company, why should they make an exception for you.

Original poster
readyplayer2 · 27/02/2021 15:34

@Delatron

However, your employer does sound very inflexible so for that reason with a young child you may want to start to look for a new job? What will happen when you child is ill? Can your DH cover illness?

It’s much easier to find a job when you’re still in a job...

They really aren’t 😔

This does worry me. No DH can’t cover, he’s the higher earner. I would have to do that.

OP posts:
Kalllop · 27/02/2021 15:34

Didn’t you post the other day?

Moirarose2021 · 27/02/2021 15:34

I think as you have been so removed from normal life your anxiety has increased. Many have worked throughout ( myself included) and its fine. Vaccines are getting rolled out very quickly, it won't be long for you. Giving up your job which has already agreed to reduce your hours especially when you can't afford it is madness.

covetingthepreciousthings · 27/02/2021 15:35

Did you write a post the other day about this? Your posts sounds very familiar, and I totally understand you be ing anxious, but I don't think anyone will want to advise you to quit your job when you've said you can't afford to.

As others have said, being unemployed searching for jobs in the next year or so, is going to be extremely difficult and it will be very competitive, I wouldn't want to be in that position.

I think you need to speak to your employer and ask what Covid secure procedures they've put in place to reassure you. I would also maybe try do some Kit days so you aren't 'thrown in at the deep end' as it were and can ease into being in the office again.

It's likely you will get a vaccine invite soon, so try hold onto that hope.

OliveTree75 · 27/02/2021 15:36

@CheeseJalapenoBread

Do you want me to be honest? It sounds like a mistake, but that’s just my view and you have to make your own decision based on how you feel. Key factors for me would be:
  • In the longer term, you can’t afford to give up your job.
  • The economy is going to tank, badly. Unless you work in a particularly in demand role I wouldn’t bank on it being easy to get another job.
  • Even though you have some risk factors, the risk to you personally from getting covid is very low.
  • You’ll probably get vaccinated in the not too distant future.
I agree with this.
WhateverJudy · 27/02/2021 15:36

I remember your last thread on this. Sorry but I think you’re insane and being very irrational. Sorry to be blunt but being so overweight puts you at significant health risks that are nothing to do with Covid yet you’re fixated on the tiny risk that poses to you, while you’re about to get vaccinated. Giving up work to be a SAHM is a huge decision with lifelong repercussions and that’s without a massive economic downturn risking you being able to return to the workplace easily. In short I think you’re making a huge mistake but it’s ultimately your decision. How does your husband feel about being the sole wage earner?

LIZS · 27/02/2021 15:36

Many areas now offer asymptomatic testing for those working outside the home, maybe your employer uses this.