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Original poster

Once we are 'back to normal' what needs to happen about employees being absent because of covid

85 replies

StealthPolarBear · 01/07/2021 21:39

Have seen a rumour, nothing substantiated, that London underground will treat covid absence like any other and staff will be subject to disciplinary.
This seems really short sighted, as it will lead to infected people lying and coming to work anyway.
But I do have some sympathy with employers who do need people at work.
What's the answer? Suppose the answer is to not open up, which I personally think isn't an option at this stage.

OP posts:
BeenAsFarAsMercyAndGrand · 01/07/2021 21:46

Staff aren't normally disciplined for getting sick in most workplaces I've been in.

I've only seen intervention happening in circumstances where a staff member is either a) so ill they are never going to be able to return to work; or b) off sick extremely frequently - more so than could be considered reasonable.

Are you worried that if someone in category (b) got COVID, they would come to work regardless?

BlueSurfer · 01/07/2021 21:48

We are already taking in terms of accepting thousands will die, like they do from flu. I can’t see why covid sickness should be treated any differently to flu sickness etc.

Or are you talking about isolating?

Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 01/07/2021 21:49

They can be if they have multiple period of absence.

OP posts:
Mayaspecialist · 01/07/2021 21:50

When all restrictions lift, sickness will be managed as it always has been.

We can't very well say 'life's back to normal and we just have to live with it' but turn a blind eye to someone who is off all time, because covid is so dangerous

I feel wile will go back to the old habit of people turning up to work when they are sick, making everyone else sick.

Just like we did before.

Nicknacky · 01/07/2021 21:52

Why would people be off repeatedly with covid?

BlueSurfer · 01/07/2021 21:53

@StealthPolarBear

They can be if they have multiple period of absence.
But why would they be off repeatedly? Even if you catch covid, you aren’t going to get bout after bout without a big gap (that’s it you catch it at all).
confuseddotcomma · 01/07/2021 21:53

What about people who have to be off to look after children due to bubbles bursting? Or are you thinking all that will stop too?

Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 01/07/2021 21:53

I'm wondering what other think. I'm torn. Yes we don't exempt any other infectious disease but people used to work with colds as they couldnt afford to take time off, either financially or for sickness absence reasons. Presumably some will do that with covid for the same reason - many already are. Do we want them to?

OP posts:
roses2 · 01/07/2021 21:53

Isolation is going to end at some point and be replaced with daily testing hence the trials being under taken now. So no need for being repeatedly off work.

Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 01/07/2021 21:55

@Nicknacky

Why would people be off repeatedly with covid?
Covid may be the xth period of sickness, the one that would tip over into disciplinary action. At that stage they might choose to work rather than deal with that. I suppose once people are vaccinated individuals with covid can rejoin the general population.
OP posts:
BlueSurfer · 01/07/2021 21:55

People aren’t exempt from being sick from work with measles which is the most contagious virus there is. If people choose not to be vaccinated against covid, then an employer taking them down a disciplinary route for sickness is something they will have to accept - unless their reasoning behind it is covered by the Equality Act.

Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 01/07/2021 21:56

The difference is this is an infectious disease we have treated differently from other infectious diseases for the last 18 months.

OP posts:
confuseddotcomma · 01/07/2021 21:56

@BlueSurfer children won't be vaccinated.....

Nicknacky · 01/07/2021 21:57

But that can happen with any illness, it makes no difference if it’s covid. I had absence management as I had three absences in a 12 month period. Shit happens. They weren’t covid related.

Ifitquacks · 01/07/2021 21:57

@StealthPolarBear

They can be if they have multiple period of absence.
It’s fairly unlikely they will be ill with Covid repeatedly. Especially if vaccinated.
Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 01/07/2021 21:57

Yep I think I agree blue surfer. Just making the point that in the way many used to come to work with a cold (myself included) that wil now apply to covid. Which is fine.

OP posts:
Myrrfect · 01/07/2021 21:57

Covid has left several people I know (and me) with some persistent symptoms, not “long covid” but not right.
What about those cases? People who don’t recover immediately and show symptoms for several months...

BlueSurfer · 01/07/2021 21:57

We’ve only treated it differently because we didn’t have a vaccine. Now we have a vaccine and soon we will have an adult (maybe 12+) population who can be fully vaccinated, we can treat it as we would all other infectious diseases.

Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 01/07/2021 21:58

I get it's the same as other absences. But if covid is the one that tips the balance people may choose to attend work instead.

OP posts:
BlueSurfer · 01/07/2021 21:59

@Myrrfect

Covid has left several people I know (and me) with some persistent symptoms, not “long covid” but not right. What about those cases? People who don’t recover immediately and show symptoms for several months...
Surely that’s the same as any post viral fatigue that people have often had after all kinds of viruses? Some employees are a lot more understanding that others! Possible the Equality Act will look at covering some people.
Ifitquacks · 01/07/2021 21:59

@Myrrfect

Covid has left several people I know (and me) with some persistent symptoms, not “long covid” but not right. What about those cases? People who don’t recover immediately and show symptoms for several months...
Then I guess that will be treated the same as people who have suffered post viral syndrome after viral illnesses in the past. I had it after a bout of the flu when I was 25.
Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 01/07/2021 21:59

They then can't be called selfish for that really. They have commitment s to work, if they are well enough to work then they should. But are people in general happy with that?

OP posts:
Watapalava · 01/07/2021 21:59

At some point people won’t need to stay off with covid

Most vaccinated people will likely suffer mild cold like symptoms as scientists have stated today and as such people will likely just work through it

Most people don’t miss work for colds etc

Soon people not bother with tests

I’ve never had a covid test throughout entire pandemic

Others seems to love them! Hopefully once all vaccinated people willl slowly sack the tests off

Ifitquacks · 01/07/2021 21:59

@StealthPolarBear

They then can't be called selfish for that really. They have commitment s to work, if they are well enough to work then they should. But are people in general happy with that?
I’m fine with it, as I trust the vaccines work.
Mayaspecialist · 01/07/2021 21:59

@StealthPolarBear

I'm wondering what other think. I'm torn. Yes we don't exempt any other infectious disease but people used to work with colds as they couldnt afford to take time off, either financially or for sickness absence reasons. Presumably some will do that with covid for the same reason - many already are. Do we want them to?
I would prefer people didn't come to work when they are sick, but it's not realistic to think they won't.

The government isn't going to pay people to stay home everytimebthey are ill. Or force employers to pay it either.

I hoped these would be the sorts of things that changed for the better.

But everything seems to be aimed at getting back to pre-pandemic normal. It appears that's what most people want.