If the Government insists that over 70s stay at home will Tesco be paying our elder colleagues sick pay? I know that many of them depend on that little bit extra they earn at Tesco
Tesco won’t be paying anyone any sick pay. This is the sort of company that expects you to work in all conditions irrespective of how many people with Coronavirus enter the store. If you self isolate you will come back to disciplinaries because Tesco don’t follow government advice and are seemingly a law unto themselves
So bloody true
If you self isolate for 7 days it will not go against you ..
my wife also works at Tesco and has C O P D, she is 64. I would like to find out if she stayed off for four months if it hit our area which is has done, will she get paid. her doctor said she will be at risk when it develops more in our area because she works in a supermarket. I am concerned but the government are not making it clear where people stand. they are saying over 70 and also vulnerable people. do any managers on here know where people stand on this
Long Gone you’re talking rubbish. What you’re saying is not true !
I think it’s time you were just that ..... Long Gone
It’s not rubbish at all, I worked for the company 15 years and I’ve seen more and know more about it than you ever will. They used to get people in the office for being in hospital due to accidents or requiring some sort of emergency surgery as if it was their own fault and they could/ shouldn’t have had it done because the toilet roll needed filling and no one was there to cover the late shift. Now with people losing their jobs, they get you in the office for ANYTHING as it’s an easier way to make people lose their jobs instead of just getting rid of people without going through the process. I've been in the staff canteen and overheard management discussing how they can get rid of staff and who they “need†to get on warnings to reduce the workforce. It’s a joke and this Coronavirus is just going to play in to their hands even more. “ oh so you were self isolating? Did you get that confirmed by a doctor? Did you have any other symptoms? You’ve been off 7 days so I hope you are going to work those hours back if not then I’m afraid you’re on a warningâ€
I'm gonna second Bonny Heather here Long Gone. sod off.
I have no doubts you’re a failed Tesco manager that sucks up to current management and believes everything you’re told. Foolish
Quote from: Long gone on 15-03-20, 06:08PM
Tesco won’t be paying anyone any sick pay. This is the sort of company that expects you to work in all conditions irrespective of how many people with Coronavirus enter the store. If you self isolate you will come back to disciplinaries because Tesco don’t follow government advice and are seemingly a law unto themselves
Tesco are paying full company pay from Day1 to those who follow government advice and self isolate for 7 days. They do not have to provide proof and it will not count towards your sickness absence.
All Covid 19 related absence, including self isolation is to be coded as paid absence rather than sickness.
This means colleagues get paid from Day 1 rather than Day 4
By doing this, it also won’t go on the colleague’s absence %
Im sure everyone on this site will find a reason to complain about getting paid for turning up and those with corona getting paid too.
The thing is the majority won’t have it but will lie about having it just to get easy money. Plenty of shirkers and liars in Tossco
But but but...you said earlier Tesco won’t be paying any sick pay and that it wasn’t rubbish what you said at all because you worked for tesco in the past and knew everything ;D
I think you will find Long Gone there is a new rule brought in due to this virus The goverment has set out rules so must be followed ,This has come from a union rep and over 25 years working for Tesco and yes you have seen lots of things change over the years some for the better but your still a newbee to me lol
I am wonder if our 70 plus workers come to work. If not we are f***ed as there is no one to work then.
If the 82 year old that works in my old store stays at home climbing the walls, the rest of the dept will be like headless chickens...the old timer runs rings around them, has more energy and staying power than any of them :o
Are there any updates on this? Given the advice by the govt earlier today, it looks like it would be pretty much a given that staff who are over 70 really shouldn’t be in store working. However, knowing Tesco they won’t take a blind bit of notice. I luckily don’t have the misfortune of working for them anymore, but my 78 year old, not in the best of health mum does.
The latest info is for the over 70's and vulnerable should "social shield" for 12 weeks , if you work out what that means could you let me know ?? I think Boris Johnson's team are scared to say stay at home or to put country into lock down .people just want clear and concise advice
Quote from: Adywebb on 15-03-20, 10:39PM
Quote from: Long gone on 15-03-20, 06:08PM
Tesco won’t be paying anyone any sick pay. This is the sort of company that expects you to work in all conditions irrespective of how many people with Coronavirus enter the store. If you self isolate you will come back to disciplinaries because Tesco don’t follow government advice and are seemingly a law unto themselves
Tesco are paying full company pay from Day1 to those who follow government advice and self isolate for 7 days. They do not have to provide proof and it will not count towards your sickness absence.
I'm trying to find a reference for this on Our Tesco but I can't, anyone care to share a link?
https://colleague-help.ourtesco.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/360052126592/Ammended_People_Policies_-_National_Disaster.Pandemic.v1.3.16March2020.pdf
The previous link didn't work for me. This however did.
https://cdn.ourtesco.com/2020/02/17125258/ammended-people-policies-national-disasterpandemicv1517march2020.pdf
Quote from: extrastore on 15-03-20, 05:41PM
If the Government insists that over 70s stay at home will Tesco be paying our elder colleagues sick pay? I know that many of them depend on that little bit extra they earn at Tesco
Genuine question , if over 70 are you entitled to ssp as you are receiving a state pension. Once pensionable age you are no longer able to apply for other health related benefits, pips etc. Just curious
I have Asthma,Diabetes and COPD the Government say I should self isolate for 12 weeks to protect/shield my self.
Tesco it seems, unless anyone knows better, says I cant do that, anyone know what I can do.
I am very upset. I need help .
https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/eligibility (https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/eligibility)
Is anyone else following the government guidelines for 14 days self isolation because their children showed symptoms of a continuous cough and a high temperature ?
Has anyone else been asked if they want to use holidays/unpaid domestic leave to cover their absence and told if they think it isn't Corona virus they can come back early ?
In answer to your second paragraph...are you serious?? Have you been spoken to from management regarding holidays and early return??
If so ask them to put it in writing, for you to show your USDAW rep and area PM!
Yep whole team was told last night we had to take leave unpaid/use holidays. It’s completely wrong and utterly disgusting! We do get paid for any absence related to it and it will not effect your %. Only issue is if your abusing it and get caught which is fair enough. Honestly they have sank to a whole new low even by their standards! >:( >:( >:(
Reading that document, if you are over 70 and therefore high risk, you would need to take an unpaid lifestyle break? Slow hand clap Tesco, slow hand clap. No duty of care to older members of staff at all.
why is SSP not being paid from day 1?
It is
Whilst i’m hearing from colleagues across the board managers are encouraging people to use holidays and unpaid leave etc, this exists;
Amended People Policy â€" National Disaster/Pandemic, Version 1.5, Page 9 of 23 â€" 17th March 2020
“Where a colleague has been confirmed as having Coronavirus (COVID-19) or has been advised to attend isolation or self-isolate, they will be paid from the first day of absence. The same will apply for colleagues who have a new, continuous cough or temperature over 37.8oC who are self-isolating for 14 days (7 days where they live on their own). Waiting days will continue to apply for all non-pandemic related absence.
Where a colleague lives with someone who has been confirmed as having Coronavirus (COVID-19) or they live with someone who is self-isolating as a result of a new, continuous cough or high temperature, they should also self-isolate for 14 days from when that persons symptoms began.â€
Quote from: josephinebutler on 17-03-20, 05:37PM
Reading that document, if you are over 70 and therefore high risk, you would need to take an unpaid lifestyle break? Slow hand clap Tesco, slow hand clap. No duty of care to older members of staff at all.
This is being looked at at the moment and an update should come down later this week.
Stores are currently being asked to make a list of at risk colleagues.
as we are at the end of this holiday year many people will not have holiday left. The normal way of doing things updates constantly.
If you are self isolating and happen to have holiday left it could be OK to use holiday but this will apply to the few and not the many. The majority of us will have used all out holiday until it resets on 01/04. However, if on sick the normal thing to happen is that holidays are automatically cancelled. Sick trumps holidays. The confusion is the self isolation and as the brief on this is constantly changing we are running to try and keep up. Is self isolation strictly speaking sick, under normal circumstances no, but these are not normal circumstances.
This is new, unprecedented. The company have to find a balance. The people that need support should be supported. The however to this is that we all know of people who will just see this as a time to take paid time off work. We need to do the right thing by all. Allow those that need to stay at home to stay at home but also make sure those who will try and take advantage of this situation from getting any with it. I personally will be in work, grafting away and I am happy to do my bit to support the store, support those who need it but I am not willing to do this for those who will just see this as extra holiday.
I see from Natasha Adams mail of this morning that over 70s will not be needed at work for the next 12 weeks, I wonder what fully paid means.
Quote In line with government guidelines, these colleagues will not be required to attend work for the next 12 weeks. This absence from work will be fully paid, with two of the 12 weeks coded as holiday.
What do you think fully paid means?! Ain't that a bit obvious :D
If other colleagues are thinking of taking a break, for personal reasons, but don't fit the criteria...be sure you ask for a LIFESTYLE break and NOT CAREER BREAK.
A lifestyle break is for UP TO 12 weeks and must include 2 weeks holiday, but has to be agreed with the PM. Your current position is safe, and you return to the same job, contract and T&C's.
A CAREER break is up to 2 years, but your job is NOT guaranteed on your return.
I believe there was an update in January that the company would no longer be offering Career breaks.
However lifestyle breaks would now last up to 12 months, with no impact on your current role or contracted hours when you return( Baring any structure changes)
Correct morris999 :thumbup:
Thank you for the correction...we live, we learn... :thumbup:
I'm hearing managers are making their own rules up (as usual) regarding the 12 week social distancing. Such as if you're seen out at all you will be done for gross misconduct. People still need to shop etc.... , social distancing isn't the same as self isolating. Once again we need some written clarification on this.
I noticed the e-mail this morning mentioned any vulnerable individuals, not just the over '70's. There was an embedded link in the e-mail to the NHS guidance page. This seems to suggest a far wider range of employees are eligible for the fully paid 12 week absence as they "will not be required to work"- note the wording, very open to interpretation. I fall into the "vulnerable" category as I am diabetic. I wonder if I should make use of this facility at the risk of other colleagues feeling I am "letting the side down".
I also noted in the follow on NHS guidance there is no mention of self isolation, just minimising social contact. So just because you are seen out doing the essentials like shopping for food and suchlike that would be no reason to bring a disciplinary action against that employee. Like all these things Tesco say one thing for public consumption but do another at local management level. Either way they are covered.
https://colleague-help.ourtesco.com/hc/en-us/articles/360040320631-Coronavirus-latest-update
Forms etc .........at the bottom (pdf's) this makes it clearer.
I actually fall into the vulnerable category as defined by the NHS, having heart disease, angina and reduced lung capacity. Looking forward to seeing the look on my manager's face when I tell her I'm entitled to 12 weeks paid leave as a "social distancing" measure! I'd be willing to bet 12 week's wages that she'll try to weasel out of it in some way.
We'll see... ;)
As usual there will be those legitimate who need to be off 12 weeks and those that abuse the system.
I have asthma and been told the criteria for the 12 week off is if you have been hospitalised or have to take steroid tablets daily. Which I don't so I am ok for work.
Hmm...who told you that?? Your doctor or your manager, (who is a deluded asthma consultant in their spare time)
My store manager who passed it on to my manager then i got the same response from duty.
Quote from: Pnoom on 19-03-20, 07:25PM
I actually fall into the vulnerable category as defined by the NHS, having heart disease, angina and reduced lung capacity. Looking forward to seeing the look on my manager's face when I tell her I'm entitled to 12 weeks paid leave as a "social distancing" measure! I'd be willing to bet 12 week's wages that she'll try to weasel out of it in some way.
We'll see... ;)
Our SM has actually approached all those known to be in that category and encouraged them to go home or not come in if off today.
Remember its 10 weeks paid absence and 2 weeks holiday.
Quote from: Tifa on 19-03-20, 07:58PM
I have asthma and been told the criteria for the 12 week off is if you have been hospitalised or have to take steroid tablets daily. Which I don't so I am ok for work.
The NHS guidelines are here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
What about those that live with people in those categories? With how it is at work at the moment we have increased risk of catching it then passing it to them
If you live with someone that is over 70 or vulnerable due to health then you should be exercising the rules for social distancing to minimise risk. There is nothing else in place or recommended.
I've read all that. My store manager posted it to but he is going with the second bit of it about steroids and hospital being the criteria.
He saying the first part is just about social distancing .
Quote from: Tifa on 19-03-20, 09:34PM
I've read all that. My store manager posted it to but he is going with the second bit of it about steroids and hospital being the criteria
Well he's wrong, see the link I posted to the policies.
Some managers literally don't care if you actually die!
I've spoke to someone who works in another store and her manager has said the same. And others have said they have been signed of straight away. It's madness how they make it up as they go along. You are so right as long as they get those shelf stocked they don't care.
Quote from: Hf on 19-03-20, 08:49PM
What about those that live with people in those categories? With how it is at work at the moment we have increased risk of catching it then passing it to them
You can take holidays , time in lieu or an unpaid lifestyle break. You are not entitled to the 12 weeks paid .
I have to say our store has been great with all vulnerable staff , encouraged them to utilize new policy . Actually impressed with how they're dealing with it now .
If that’s right people won’t get the 12 weeks paid then I can see very few venerable staff being able to afford it.
I believe welshie means simply living with someone vulnerable is not sufficient in order to be eligible for what tesco is offering (10 weeks paid, 2 weeks holiday, 12 weeks altogether).
i.e. if you are a staff member and fall under the vulnerable umbrella, you are paid for the 12 weeks.
That’s kind of a relief, as I have asthma/get bad chest infections I think I might fall under the 12 week group, no idea though since trying to get info out of management is like getting blood out of a stone
Our SM has actually contacted all those who are able to take the 12 weeks off, and told them to do so, he knows several of them are more than likely not going to have e-mail on a phone, so might not have seen todays updates like most of us do for one reason or another, he has only been our store manager for a few weeks but is going out of his way to support everyone during this corona situation, and has complained time and time again to his boss and head office to no avail that staff should be able to come in to work with a facemask if they wish, I know some really awful store managers about I have had the misfortune to work under several over the years but some are really making an effort right now and that should be pointed out alongside the bad ones.
Quote from: hornimans135 on 17-03-20, 03:02PM
I have Asthma,Diabetes and COPD the Government say I should self isolate for 12 weeks to protect/shield my self.
Tesco it seems, unless anyone knows better, says I cant do that, anyone know what I can do.
I am very upset. I need help .
I too have COPD and have done my last shift for a while Tesco will pay you for your basic hours
Did you have to tell your manager or did they tell you that you could take the 12 weeks off?
im worried to take the 12 weeks off (2 weeks holiday) as i have flu jab every year drs orders and take a steroid inhaler......incase they change my working hours while off, i'm on contracted hours mon to fri 35 hours week been Tesco 16 years
This does not effect your contracted hours in any way so don’t worry :thumbup:
Emails sent out yesterday by company and union. If you did not get email its says all info online. Basically if vulnerable to self isolate, paid from day one. If ill, self isolate, paid from day one. Interesting thing is the union says face masks don't help, it says you need the ones that fit flush without a gap on the side.
Line managers and duty saying there's a difference between self-isolating and social distancing, arguing that even though you're in the vulnerable category you can still come to work if your doctor is advising social distancing but not specifically self-isolation. Nit picking to get out of paying and telling people they've not to go out of the house methinks!
I understand all the Vulnerable people, that the store were aware of, got a phone call from the SM Yesterday and reassured personally that they would get paid for the 12 weeks (with 2 of it as leave as per the announcement) and that they weren't to come back before Thursday 12th June. Anyone who needed to notify the store they were in the vulnerable category could do so via phone and it would be taken care of.
They seem to be doing good by the staff as far as the policies will allow.
I fall into the vulnerable category due to heart disease, very well documented in my attendance history etc, yet I got no phone call. My doctor advised me that I am also classed as vulnerable due to necessary yearly flu jab and that I should social-distance. Work are trying to differentiate and say I've not to leave the house! I'm not self-isolating but I am vulnerable as outlined via Tesco's guidelines through NHS link in email. ??
I'm not getting your post? Are you saying you want to go to work?
If you come under the vulnerable category, you phone the store to state you are such, and advise you will be taking the government stance regarding specified recommended leave of absence!
Unsure what you mean that they're saying your not to leave the house?? Are they stating they're putting you under some sort of curfew?? Under some sort of house arrest, and if you are seen outside there will be repercussions ??? :D
Quote from: fannybawsthe3rd on 20-03-20, 10:05AM
I fall into the vulnerable category due to heart disease, very well documented in my attendance history etc, yet I got no phone call. My doctor advised me that I am also classed as vulnerable due to necessary yearly flu jab and that I should social-distance. Work are trying to differentiate and say I've not to leave the house! I'm not self-isolating but I am vulnerable as outlined via Tesco's guidelines through NHS link in email. ??
I would advise you to take the 12 week absence, its your choice of course but you will have to sign the new disclaimer form if you insist on remaining at work.
Lets make it clear you are NOT self isolating, you are Social Distancing (there is a difference) and you are able to leave your home to shop etc if you wish taking the relevant precautions.
My manager is "leaving it up to me" therefore playing it down because I feel well at the moment. Saying I might have even had the virus already and not noticed!
Quote from: fannybawsthe3rd on 20-03-20, 09:24AM
Line managers and duty saying there's a difference between self-isolating and social distancing, arguing that even though you're in the vulnerable category you can still come to work if your doctor is advising social distancing but not specifically self-isolation
They are right about the first part but wrong about the second. Though personally I am waiting until the government imposes strict social distancing on the elderly and vulnerable before crying off work.
I've been asked about steroid inhalers my concern is with everywhere closed more people are going to come into contact with staff there is no way you can be 1 metre away from everyone!!!
My store manager told me today am not at risk because am type 2 diabetic so a dont get it is this true because on the list it just says diabetes
Go to our tesco latest Info on covid 19
Click on link for NHS guide it states diabetes does not say which however it does say if you are eligible for flu jab. Onmedical grounds you are includec
I'm the sole carer for my father, who's 80 and has a history of heart disease. Am I entitled to self-isolate to make sure I don't pick up the virus and pass it on to him?
You can but must take a lifestyle break or use your holidays, apparently.
Someone in our store is off now due to type 2 diabetes, I have to say I was surprised type 2 was covered . As although it is serious it is usually something that has come on in later life and unlike type one has not taken its toll on your body for many years , damaging your organs .
I think the flu jab thing is for who should be extra careful , not for who employers should pay to self isolate. The best thing to do is contact your gp, clinical nurse specialist or consultant and ask them do you need to take the time off and if they say yes ask if they can you send you a letter stating that . Tesco do need medical evidence of your condition.
So the schools shut down yesterday...and the worry started of whose going to look after the kids if not a key worker, as advised, grandparents shouldn't be asked?? Really??
How much of the workforce are grandparents? Going in doing shifts every day? There's more chance of them giving it to the kids than the other way about! Yesterday I was at a checkout being served by an older lady, who had no gloves or protection on! In fact non of the checkout operators were wearing gloves.
Obviously, more frail or elderly grandparents shouldn't be asked, but other than that, it seemed a silly sweeping statement to make by the government.
I have to say I'm really impressed with the company , my husband employer is not paying vulnerable, in fact I dont think many companys are , so hats off
I would just like to clear up the confusion over type 2 diabetes and social distancing. Diabetes of any kind is a serious illness, every diabetic has a suppressed auto immune system and is liable to contract infections therefore you ARE vulnerable. Do the right thing, stay at home. You are not lazy , letting the team down etc, it is not an extra holiday. We need to help the NHS by not becoming ill. This is the whole point. Nothing else matters.
I am so confused about all this. There are 4 of us in my family and we are all mildly asthmatic (not needed a blue inhaler for a long time). My husband's work might close any day and we don't know where he stands if he is laid off. My kid's school and collage are closed (they are old enough to stay home alone). I've been on holiday this past week and have a few days holiday remaining been following the news and reports sent out from work. My daughter has applied for a temp job in my store.
I just don't know if we should :
A: Call into duty to self-isolate for 12 weeks
B: Take the chance and I continue to work hoping that my daughter gets a job (which will be her 1st job).
C: Wait until my holiday is over, by then we should know if my daughter has a job, before deciding.
I think firstly you should speak to your Doctor and get his opinion as to how vulnerable you may be...that may help make your decision clearer.
Just re-read the latest revision of the government guidelines regarding vulnurable groups and it now specifically refers to "severe asthma" which is defined as that which is not well managed by the sufferers regular medication. So while I am an asthma sufferer and qualify for the free flu jab it appears I am not (as yet) being advised by the experts to take myself out of the fray.
(I prefer to read the government's expert scientific advisors' recommendations rather than the company's current policy when it comes to deciding what is best to do for me, my colleagues and the community at large)
You’ve misread it. You ARE in the group listed by the government who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19).
What you are referring to with regards to severe asthma, ie requiring hospitalisation or courses of steroid tablets, this is a separate group to that of the group which includes diabetes, over 70’s, asthma etc.
The people at even higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are those with severe asthma, leukaemia etc etc. These people will be contacted next week by the NHS.
HOWEVER, IT IS IMPORTANT for everyone to understand that ALL of the above (as per government guidelines) are vulnerable.
Just re-read the guidelines again today and the reference to "severe asthma" is no longer there. Still not making it mandatory for the elderly and vulnurable to self-isolate though just practise distancing. The company are ahead of the curve in allowing these groups to go off work.
NHS England are sending out letter to people that need to adhere to the 12 week isolation, I'm sure the other parts of UK will follow shortly . I believe the decision is made by your GP who would have information on all someone's illnesses. Hopefully this will clear up any doubts people have x
Quote from: gomezz on 22-03-20, 12:57PM
Just re-read the guidelines again today and the reference to "severe asthma" is no longer there. Still not making it mandatory for the elderly and vulnurable to self-isolate though just practise distancing. The company are ahead of the curve in allowing these groups to go off work.
Whether one has asthma or severe asthma... both are covered by the Government advice guidelines.....
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
You are in vulnerable category so look after yourself gomezz. Genuinely mean that.
Quote from: Blackcat3 on 20-03-20, 06:17PM
I've been asked about steroid inhalers my concern is with everywhere closed more people are going to come into contact with staff there is no way you can be 1 metre away from everyone!!!
I've been told(by a manager) that the company require you to be in receipt of the flu jab, *and* be taking a steroid inhaler. I've also been told that my steroid inhaler doesn't count as it is the wrong colour. (My manager told me that it isn't a steroid inhaler, which was interesting).
Does anyone have a link to the criteria that managers are using? Ourtesco makes no mention of what I have been told, only makes reference to vulnerable people.
All I can say if you get free flu jab go home NOW
I’ve been told as of today I have the option to self isolate for 12 weeks -10 weeks full pay 2 weeks holiday
I have asthma
Quote from: Wozbee on 22-03-20, 09:08PM
I’ve been told as of today I have the option to self isolate for 12 weeks -10 weeks full pay 2 weeks holiday
I have asthma
Were you given a option? I was told i wasnt allowed on the site as I have asthma all be it really mild asthma. If I'd been given a option I'd have stayed.
Quote from: Wozbee on 22-03-20, 09:08PM
I’ve been told as of today I have the option to self isolate for 12 weeks -10 weeks full pay 2 weeks holiday
I have asthma
Asthma is asthma, it's a chronic condition. Some people do get it worse than others but if you are prone to chest infections, regardless of how bad your asthma is you should be off. If you want to continue working there is now a "wish to continue working" form. We are not medics, if at all unsure play safe.
Have you seen this wish to remain in work form as I've not been offered it, even if it is a risk I l feel useless sat at home when the stores are so empty, especially if this goes on longer than the initial 12 weeks. I'm sure some frontline NHS staff have some of the conditions colleagues are being sent home with and are still working.
I get sent by the doctors for winter flu jab every year for coeliac disease, (A serious autoimmune disease ).
I should be taking this 12 weeks off then ?????
And this is coeliac uks writing
New government advice about at risk groups now includes criteria which includes people with coeliac disease.
We should all be taking social distancing measures, but at risk groups should be especially stringent in following these. Social distancing aims to reduce social interaction between people. This is different to the advice for self-isolation for people with coronavirus symptoms such as a persistent cough or temperature.
What is the risk for adults with coeliac disease?
As coronavirus is a new illness, there is no specific research on the risk to people with coeliac disease.
The government’s recommendation means that some people with coeliac disease should be included within the high risk group based on the increased risk of having reduced spleen function (called hyposplenism). The spleen has an important role in fighting infection and around 30% of people with coeliac disease have hyposplenism.
The latest government advice categorises people who have problems with their spleen or who are offered certain vaccinations as at risk of severe illness from coronavirus. Spleen function is not routinely assessed so most people won’t know whether they have hyposplenism or not. As a precaution our Health Advisory Council think it is reasonable that adults with coeliac disease may consider themselves to be within the at risk group and to follow the associated advice.
Today is day 1 of 12 weeks off for me. My asthma is not a problem day in, day out, I would consider myself to have mild asthma nowadays (it used to be far worse) but when I do get ill with flu etc then it hits me hard.
I also had the conversation about requiring hospitalisation or courses of steroid tablets (which I don't) but was told at the end of our chat that, ultimately it was up to me & that if I felt uncomfortable with coming in then not to.
I took the weekend to think about it, but decided, this thing isn't going away anytime soon, it's just the tip of the iceberg, I have a young family & if me being off & self icolating (the best I can) results in 1 less NHS hospital bed taken up then that is what I should do.
I'm fortunate enough have an incredibly good understanding manager (yes, they do exist).
This is the NHS horse's mouth info which I am taking as best advice
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
QuoteWho is at high risk?
You may be at high risk from coronavirus if you:
have had an organ transplant
are having certain types of cancer treatment
have blood or bone marrow cancer, such as leukaemia
have a severe lung condition, such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma
My emboldening of "severe asthma". I have found this authoritative source of how severe asthma is defined
https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/severe-asthma/what-is-severe-asthma/
So for now, with chronic but mild and manageable form of asthma then I will continue working until the authorities say no. All deliveries bagged and only to the doorstep will be a big factor in swaying my personal risk assessment into KBO.
Quote from: gomezz on 23-03-20, 10:52AM
This is the NHS horse's mouth info which I am taking as best advice
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
QuoteWho is at high risk?
You may be at high risk from coronavirus if you:
have had an organ transplant
are having certain types of cancer treatment
have blood or bone marrow cancer, such as leukaemia
have a severe lung condition, such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma
My emboldening of "severe asthma". I have found this authoritative source of how severe asthma is defined
https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/severe-asthma/what-is-severe-asthma/
So for now, with chronic but mild and manageable form of asthma then I will continue working until the authorities say no. All deliveries bagged and only to the doorstep will be a big factor in swaying my personal risk assessment into KBO.
If you get the annual flu jab due to a medical condition i really think its in your best interest to take the 12 weeks as soon as you can and keep safe.
With regards to people with mild asthma still working is the company policy different from store to warehouse and dot com as there appear to be mixed messages I've been told I cant work no if's or but's.
Quote from: Zx81 on 23-03-20, 11:30AM
With regards to people with mild asthma still working is the company policy different from store to warehouse and dot com as there appear to be mixed messages I've been told I cant work no if's or but's.
With the sound of what i read on here, if you carry on working and you do receive the flu jab you have to sign a disclaimer, I think this covers Tesco if you catch Coronavirus in the time frame they offered you, ie it was your call to carry on working.
So I am an asthmatic who gets offered the flu jab every year, gets regular chest infections and I have been told by my manager unless I receive the letter from the NHS I will not be paid for any absence, but if I go to work I have to sign a form. That surely cannot be right?
No, it's not right. You should be off for 12 wks now. If still in work take this higher. If not in work just now ring back, ask why you are being informed to go against government guidelines.
Read the post #164 that Johnathon 1970 has listed, on the pandemics &Tesco policies thread. it's a list of all those advised to refrain from work. Print it off, ring the manager and ask if he still insists on you signing his form can he please sign your print off stating he has read it, and is still insistent you should be in work or unpaid leave if you stay at home??
So I've just gone through my freezer...sorted out the random bits and bobs, found meals I'd forgotten about, condensed all the packing, managed to squeeze in most of yesterday's shop. So by having less or smaller portions, and tightening our belts (hopefully literally), we should manage for a few weeks if we go into total isolation, as partner a postie!
Hi, can anyone give me some advise, I'm currently on annual leave and due to return monday, however I'm on the NHS vulnerable list. My question is I'm happy to go back to support the store and colleagues but with me on the list I'm very wary.
Does anyone know any roles I can do in store that are not customer facing and are limited contact with colleagues who are.
If I return I've been advised by another colleague who also on list. If I return I have to sign a declaration and by signing this it waves my rights to any payment for death on service if I was too get I'll with the virus and the worst happens
I dont mean to be dramatic but I'm unsure about what too do.
@CN2019 I've been told the same you need a letter from doctor or letter recieved through the post I'm in same situation as you but then people are off as a precaution if someone at home has symptoms ei a cough
I'm well under 70 but similarly am asthmatic and prone to chest infections & regularly get the flu jab letter. I've been off for 14 days with a (diagnosed, non-Corona) chest infection so far, and I'm due to return Saturday. I contacted the absence line and was told that unless I'm on steroid tablets or injections I don't qualify, but I'm on a steroid inhaler and my doctor has told me that my asthma is severe enough to be considered risky with Corona, though she did not specifically say I'm part of the risk group -- this was before the isolation news.
Any advice? Should I ring my GP and ask if I qualify as part of the risk group? I have yet to receive a letter, but at the same time my mother (who is on steroid tablets) has yet to receive one either.
Letters can arrive up to 29th March in England, not sure of dates for the rest of the UK.
Lists of conditions states chronic asthmatic. My understanding is that if you are even mildly asthmatic it's classed as chronic as due to lung problems you may be prone to chest infections etc. There is a "wish to continue working" form you can sing that can be reversed at any time. It does however state that under no circumstances should you be pressured into continuing to work if you fall within one of the vulnerable categories. It's a highlighted sentence about three quarters way down the form.
We are not qualified dr's. The dr's are still learning about this virus. All you can do is follow guidelines. Even people without asthma get chest infections. It's awful, can really knock you off your feet. With asthma it is just so much worse.
Quote from: Redshoes on 26-03-20, 08:13AM
.......... There is a "wish to continue working" form you can sing .....................
To what tune :question: ;D
So how many of you are off for 12 weeks on the flu vaccine guideline? Under 70 with a illness stated below ( ie anyone who receives the flu vacine for a medical condition.)
Quote from: Nomad on 26-03-20, 10:38AM
Quote from: Redshoes on 26-03-20, 08:13AM
.......... There is a "wish to continue working" form you can sing .....................
To what tune :question: ;D
This song comes to mind...
" what do you get when you fall in love? You get enough germs to catch corona" :o
You have to be on certain medication for your asthma or had a letter through the post at our store some are off but there are still asthmatics working I think it's a grey area and needs making clear who can be off
It is clear, if you get the flu jab becasue of your asthma you can be off. otherwise not.
The information is on our tesco, if you open 'Coronavirus â€" latest update' and then open 'latest updates'. Open update dated 19th march, if you then look at the nhs guidence as to what a vunerable person is defined as, it states
under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (ie anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds):
chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
chronic kidney disease
chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy
diabetes
problems with your spleen â€" for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
being seriously overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above)
those who are pregnant
if a person has one of the above, they should be on piad leave for 12 weeks.
hope this helps :/
please protect yourself and your familes
Quote from: madness on 26-03-20, 02:45PM
It is clear, if you get the flu jab becasue of your asthma you can be off. otherwise not.
What about if you get the flu jab for a medical condition becouse you have a weakened immune system.
Cos it says such as hiv/aids, obviously mine isn't through one of them 2, but on my flu jab sheet it says eligibility group, weakend immune system.
I was replying to someone about asthma, your situation of weakened immune system counts
Jonathan1970
such as means the same as for example
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/such-as
if you have a weakened weakened immune system you should be off for 12 weeeks paid
protect yourself and your family
stay safe
Has anybody seen the consent to work form? If so does it invalidate death in service if you have the work pension.
The main thing about the continue to work form is the sentence that states that you should at no point be pressured to continue working if you fall within a vulnerable category.
The form doesn't mention death in service it says you have been identified in the at risk group and if you decide at a later date you can take the time off
Quote from: Zx81 on 27-03-20, 07:23AM
Has anybody seen the consent to work form? If so does it invalidate death in service if you have the work pension.
Unless it specifically stated that fact, then I'd say no! It's not an insurance policy, it's an agreed benefit.
They're not big brother....if you contracted any sort of illness that could prove fatal e.g. AIDS, meningitis or went on an extreme sport holiday etc...they couldn't withold payment on the basis that they thought you contributed due to being reckless!
@ madness, having the flu jab and asthma doesn't automatically mean you get 12 weeks off, there is more paperwork about what medication you're on, whether you have been hospitalised or if your on steroids. There is at least 5 asthmatics still at work in my store who have been told to get proof from doctor or wait for letter.
Yup, I have asthma but decided to not have the flu jab last year, haven’t been hospitalised and am not on those specific steroids but it’s probably seemed a suitable risk for them.
I was off this week as that came down when I was on holiday and it’s only now there being picky with it.
So I have to return to work next week even though a member of my household is severely vulnerable .. but because I can’t afford unpaid time off I have to risk me catching it.
Asthma is asthma ... a lung condition and I’ve just read that even healthy adults are dying from it ... it’s a joke.
Noticed today that the table of asthma medications / doses I linked to earlier that indicated if your condition is considered "severe" on the asthma.co.uk web site has been removed. I suspect something is in the wind as regards expert advice and policy going forward.
Blackcat3
This is the policy from ourtesco
Vulnerable colleagues:
We are putting in place measures to support colleagues who are over 70, vulnerable or pregnant, for whom we know from NHS guidance, Coronavirus could be a greater risk.
In line with government guidelines, these colleagues will not be required to attend work for the next 12 weeks. This absence from work will be fully paid, with two of the 12 weeks coded as holiday.
We are advising those who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.
This group includes those who are:
• aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)
• under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (ie anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds):
• chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
-----------------------
this is the guidance for employers
• employees from defined vulnerable groups should be strongly advised and supported to stay at home and work from there if possible
the policy is clearly stated, if you have asthma you should be off work (paid) for 12 weeks, I'd phone the group people manger
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19
Yup ... that’s what I’ve been going off ... however ... you have to prove 1 of the following.
Flu jab
Hospitalised for asthma
Take steroid inhalers.
...
If you can’t prove it
...
You can’t have it ... even if you can prove you have asthma.
Stupid isn’t it
i spent whole week fighting to get the 12 weeks off (2 of which is holiday) due to fact have asthma ,have yearly free flu jab as recommended by my GP, and take steroid inhaler, after was finally granted it said no thanks don't want it was just proving a point,12 weeks at id be bored out of my head,so had to sign form saying i was coming back and T...co never pushed me into coming back
Problem is I chose not to get the flu jab and only have salbutamol.
I don’t want to be in as not only do I fear catching it for me, but my dad has copd and in the same house ... and not being rich, it’s practically impossible to isolate ... so if I get it ... we’ve all got it.
I got my flu jab gp notification printed of by the chemist that i took my NHS flu jab card to get the jab done and on the letter it says eligibility group to why i have the jab which mine states has a weakend immune system .
I have not been asked for any proof but thats mine if asked.
Quote from: uklions on 28-03-20, 11:18PM
i spent whole week fighting to get the 12 weeks off (2 of which is holiday) due to fact have asthma ,have yearly free flu jab as recommended by my GP, and take steroid inhaler, after was finally granted it said no thanks don't want it was just proving a point,12 weeks at id be bored out of my head,so had to sign form saying i was coming back and T...co never pushed me into coming back
And with everything going on atm in stores , you thought it was a good idea to waste someone's time fighting for something you didnt want ??? You really need to read some of the comments on here of your colleagues who are desperately trying to get help to protect them and their families. Would a managers time not be better spent trying to help them in some way 😡
Quote from: Welshie on 30-03-20, 01:51PM
Quote from: uklions on 28-03-20, 11:18PM
i spent whole week fighting to get the 12 weeks off (2 of which is holiday) due to fact have asthma ,have yearly free flu jab as recommended by my GP, and take steroid inhaler, after was finally granted it said no thanks don't want it was just proving a point,12 weeks at id be bored out of my head,so had to sign form saying i was coming back and T...co never pushed me into coming back
And with everything going on atm in stores , you thought it was a good idea to waste someone's time fighting for something you didnt want ??? You really need to read some of the comments on here of your colleagues who are desperately trying to get help to protect them and their families. Would a managers time not be better spent trying to help them in some way 😡
This
8-) you lost for words Jonathan 8-)
Can someone let me know if over 70s staff are allowed to shop in person while off? I get the feeling, from a personal perspective, that they are saying they will not let you. I’m not staff anymore, so have no access to Tesco’s comms with staff.
Quote from: josephinebutler on 01-04-20, 11:30AM
Can someone let me know if over 70s staff are allowed to shop in person while off? I get the feeling, from a personal perspective, that they are saying they will not let you. I’m not staff anymore, so have no access to Tesco’s comms with staff.
----------------over 70s are not supposed to leave the house at all as far as i know
Quote from: josephinebutler on 01-04-20, 11:30AM
Can someone let me know if over 70s staff are allowed to shop in person while off? I get the feeling, from a personal perspective, that they are saying they will not let you. I’m not staff anymore, so have no access to Tesco’s comms with staff.
As far as I gather you are just meant to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures, whilst probably frowned upon you are not part of the group that are meant to be shielding (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19)
Quote from: renault1 on 01-04-20, 12:43PM
Quote from: josephinebutler on 01-04-20, 11:30AM
Can someone let me know if over 70s staff are allowed to shop in person while off? I get the feeling, from a personal perspective, that they are saying they will not let you. I’m not staff anymore, so have no access to Tesco’s comms with staff.
----------------over 70s are not supposed to leave the house at all as far as i know
If that is the case then I don’t understand why Tesco are offering over 70s shopping hour on a Mon, Weds and Fri. It seems that they have drawn some bizarre and arbitrary line in the sand for no real reason.
If you don't have any other support then you can go in the councils have set up helplines to help vulnerable people that should be isolating
I absolutely agree that over 70s should not take unnecessary risks, but I have a relative who had no idea that they were actually banned from visiting a store until they took advantage of the vulnerable persons shopping hour today and were in no uncertain terms that this was forbidden. Just strikes me as a frankly odd rule when the person could, should they wish, go into any other grocery shop and shop there. I would be interested to know if this is universal policy from head office, or made up by the store itself.
The over 70's follow the same isolating rules as the rest of us.
Check the NHS website.
Quote from: lucgeo on 01-04-20, 03:02PM
The over 70's follow the same isolating rules as the rest of us.
Check the NHS website.
So as I suspected. The store is making it up. Over 70s need to be extra careful, but can leave the house for essentials.
NHS website,
Quotetry to keep yourself busy â€" you could try activities like cooking,
Hello, there is very little in the fridge or freezer to cook with. :)
asthma uk has updated their advice again today including a revised table of medications / dosages
https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/
gomezz what has 'asthma uk has updated their advice again today including a revised table of medications / dosages' got to do with people being vulnerable and needing 12 weeks off paid :/ tescos policy is derived from nhs guidence, not asthma uks, please explain
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
Because the government's guidelines on over the 70s and the vulnerable specifically mentions those with "severe asthma" and the asthma uk information characterises what "severe asthma" means in terms of the medication / dosage used.
gomezz, NO IT DOESNT, please share your link, here is the quote from the nhs guidence which was updated on the 30th march, this is used by tesco to determine if people are eligible for 12 weeks paid leave
• under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (ie anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds):
• chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
In all this 'guidance' I have yet to see any mention of somebody who falls within multiple categories, not to mention if they have a spouse as sole full time carer who also falls within more than one category.
Letter, what letter !
Quote from: Mollymoomoo on 19-03-20, 07:22PM
https://colleague-help.ourtesco.com/hc/en-us/articles/360040320631-Coronavirus-latest-update
Forms etc .........at the bottom (pdf's) this makes it clearer.
Does anyone have a public copy of this? I’m not staff anymore, so cannot access the link, and want to quote their own rules back at them. Bit of a running battle over ‘actual rules’ and ‘perceived rules’.
Quote from: Nomad on 02-04-20, 11:45AM
In all this 'guidance' I have yet to see any mention of somebody who falls within multiple categories, not to mention if they have a spouse as sole full time carer who also falls within more than one category.
Letter, what letter !
Dont know if this is what you mean but my husband has type 1 diabetes and stage 4 cancer with extensive spread , he had treatment this week and was told by oncologist NOT to leave the house even higher risk just after treatment.
He still hasn't got a letter , so how people are meant to know is beyond me !
Just out of curiosity, did his cancer develop because of his diabetes or was it a seperate irrelevent development?
Quote from: hope0101 on 02-04-20, 12:43AM
gomezz, NO IT DOESNT, please share your link, here is the quote from the nhs guidence which was updated on the 30th march, this is used by tesco to determine if people are eligible for 12 weeks paid leave
Indeed, as I already pointed out in an earlier post Tesco have gone above and beyond governmet /NHS advice in lowering the bar of who they are allowing to take 12 weeks paid leave.
Quote from: NightAndDay on 02-04-20, 07:53PM
Just out of curiosity, did his cancer develop because of his diabetes or was it a seperate irrelevent development?
Honestly dont know, we do know that many of the symptoms of his cancer , primary in his kidney , we put down to his diabetes , so if he wasnt diabetic , I would have nagged him sooner to go to the doctors , we put most things down to side effects of medication . Truth is we'll never know and left it to late to go to doctor , its spread and inoperable , some would say terminal but we're very positive .
But if any of you ever have blood in your pee , even just once , go to the doctors please
Hi all,
I'm in the vulnerable group (or thought I was). Boss called today to say that people with asthma can only take paid leave if they take steroid tablets and/or have been hospitalised. I'm on daily steroid inhaler plus reliever as required. Issue is not necessarily day to day but *if* I get it - both times I have been off in the past year has been when I've had flare ups after a cold (this is normal for me). She says this amended wording has been agreed with USDAW. People like me can take time off but it will be unpaid.
Any suggestions? It is looking like I may simply have to go back.
Can you email your gp and ask for a letter ?
It's about time the government, the NHS, the local medical services and various companies got together on agreement over their definitions of who is at serious risk and who is not.
A member of my family has had notification of being seriously vulnerable and all manner of routines must be followed to protect them, however in trying to register on https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable (https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable), they are told they do not meet the criteria.
Total shambles.
Might try that, Nomad! Although concern is that it won't do much good if the policy is now as they say (that is, only those who have been hospitalized in past twelve months and/or on steroid tablets according to my manager). Think might also need to contact USDAW to confirm what boss is saying.
Godstopper, (tescos policy hasn’t changed, please see previous posts). Your manager is lying, The definition of vulnerable groups has also been written in law
Citation, commencement, application and interpretation
1.â€"(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 and come into force at 1:00 p.m. on 26th March 2020.
(2) These Regulations apply in relation to England only.
(3) In these Regulationsâ€"
(a)“coronavirus†means severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2);
(b)a “person responsible for carrying on a business†includes the owner, proprietor, and manager of that business;
(c)“vulnerable person†includesâ€"
(i)any person aged 70 or older;
(ii)any person under 70 who has an underlying health condition, including but not limited to, the conditions listed in Schedule 1;
(iii)any person who is pregnant.
SCHEDULE 1Underlying Medical Conditions
1. Chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema or bronchitis.
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/350/made
id contact yr group people manager
Thanks! This was the dot.com manager. I only do two mornings a week but could obviously do without the financial hit. I've spoken to USDAW who say someone is going to get back to me on Mon or Tues. At risk of sounding like an idiot, how do you find out who is the Group People Manager? I'd rather not have another conversation with my manager who is obviously not going to budge on this. If this turns out to be some revised policy, then I'm obviously going to have to think about what to do - just a bit confused and wary of what manager is saying at present!
Godstopper
So what has happened since your last post?
Hi Jasper,
Nothing much to report. Awaiting e-mail from USDAW (they said current reply time is 2-3 days). I'm due back on Sun morning. So far I've had 3 shifts off, and I've just been told to call when I want to go back. I veer between thinking I - like others - just need to deal with it and take reasonable precautions and flat out panic (because I always get exacerbations from colds and this is worse, plus it's Tesco, you know? Not worth putting yourself at risk unless absolutely necessary). No point in dealing with manager until I've had clarification from elsewhere. Seems to me that Tesco are trying to backtrack whereever possible after realising just how many fall into the vulnerable group!
Do you get the flu jab gobstopper?
Hi,
Yup. Annually. Ever since diagnosis back in 2011.
Hi Godstopper
There is a list of drugs and inhalers on the Asthma.uk web site that shows which people should be isolating. I gave this to my manager and am onow off for 12 week
Hi Bill!
I can't find the list, but I'm definitely not in the shielding group (I am in the vulnerable one).
E-mail from USDAW. They say my boss is wrong. That it's 12 weeks - 10 paid, 2 coded as holiday, and my boss needs to speak to them if she has issue. I am dreading having to speak to her again, and don't want this fight. It's an odd situation as day-to-day I am generally fine. The problems start whenever I get a cold, and since that takes me out of action for about 10 days, I'd rather not take my chances with the virus, you know? I keep flipping back and forth with it.
Flu jab means at risk so your choice for 10 weks paid ans 2 weeks must be hols. Our store has roughly 15 people off for this. out of 200. No manager at all had a problem with it and some wanted to work on. they have to sign an opt out form.
Funny just how different the company runs in different stores
A call with the Duty Manager right now to explain what USDAW said, and she seems to think her knowledge overrides that of the government and my own GP. Says:
- "Chronic" asthma means being on steroid tablets and/or having been hospitalized (steroid inhaler for a decade doesn't count).
- Flu jab is irrelevant.
- I should have had a letter from the government to say stay indoors for 12 weeks (she's obvioulsy confusing the shielding and vulnerable groups).
- That thousands of colleagues with asthma would be off (not really my problem, is it?).
- I am not getting paid.
Complete and utter muppet. Now, she wants USDAW to contact the store manager so that will happen within the next day or so (I am getting nowhere by talking to people in store). I'm annoyed enough to use these three months, or however long we're in lockdown, to start looking for another job. This is a deeply unethical company staffed by idiots. Or at least my store appears to be.
Policy is policy, grievance the lack of compliance to the PM, if the PM doesn't enact policy, repeat the process until you hit Dave Lewis.
Quote- "Chronic" asthma means being on steroid tablets and/or having been hospitalized (steroid inhaler for a decade doesn't count).
Seems like a misunderstandin of the difference between "chronic" and "severe". "severe" is the term the government is using and I am using the definition of "severe" as recognised by asthma.co.uk in deciding I am not in the at risk group even though I am a chronic asthmatic based on the medication / dosage I take.
Your at risk if your offered flu jab if so its 12 weeks off 2 holiday 10 with full pay
The original NHS guidelines contained in the Tesco colleagues email of 19th March is no longer adhered to as it’s been superseded by the new government guidelines issued on 30th March and further amended 8th April which greatly reduces the conditions covered by the initial 12 weeks immunity unfortunately
That's not actually the case anybody with asthma who requires the flu jab is entitled to 12 weeks, anyone who tells you any different is misinformed.
Hi, can anyone give me advise, as I cant find the answer. I have health conditions on the vulnerable list and I decided to carry on working as my SM agreed I can support off the shop floor. I have now decided to go off to look after myself till peak over, the SM fine, however do I still have to use 2 weeks holiday as I've worked 2 weeks of the 12?
8-) Yes, it comes under the terms of a lifestyle break, which can be any length between 4-12 weeks to include two weeks annual leave. Only difference being you will get paid for the leave, which is usually taken as unpaid leave.
Quote from: lucgeo on 17-04-20, 08:31AM
8-) Yes, it comes under the terms of a lifestyle break, which can be any length between 4-12 weeks to include two weeks annual leave. Only difference being you will get paid for the leave, which is usually taken as unpaid leave.
Thanks for quick reply. :)
If any holiday already booked that is more than two weeks falls within this time it stands. It is not reduced to two weeks. If not book then two weeks are added, moved if fully booked for whole year.
It is pro rata if you take less than 12 weeks so not 2 weeks if you’re only off for 10 weeks
8-) is that policy? Is it written anywhere, for people to produce to their managers for confirmation if that be the case?
I don't disbelieve you, I just wish to give the right updated information when replying to posters questions, and always happy to be corrected. :thumbup:
Hi you’ll find it in Coronavirus (Covid-19) Questions and Answers 16th April 2020
Also Lifestyle breaks are now 4 weeks - 1 year. Career breaks are no longer an option
Could a vulnerable individual continue working and then activate the full 12 week at some point in the future or is it only 12 weeks from the original government announcement, meaning if a vulnerable colleague was to take it now they would not be paid for the full 12 weeks?
The 12 weeks fully paid currently finishes on 11th June as in line with government guidelines, regardless of when the colleague actually went off.
What happens after this date is anyone’s guess at the moment.
We will have to wait and see what the government decides about a week before that date, and then what Tesco decide to do regarding paying these colleagues.
As it stands now it's return to work on 12th June or the date as in your letter. Existing holiday stands so if you happen to have holiday booked that wk you should then go into holiday. We have people off for the 12 weeks who want to come back early, out SM is not allowing. Once they have gone off the store manager is insisting on a dr letter to say fit to come back.
I am 63 and being shielded. I have not been out of house for weeks. I'm likely to be in this position for a lot longer maybe months. I am worried about my job and feel forgotten, and can't exercise at all. I'm desperate to go out for a walk or in the car for a change of scenery. I am very unhappy and feel that my life is ebbing away. Will I lose my job.?
Same boat as you, and I’m pretty worried about this 12 week ending and we will have to go back to work just when the second wave will likely hit, and there’s no way Tesco will pay for a second period, making this 12 weeks potentially pointless
Your job is not at risk just because you are shielded. Your date of return to work is as in your letter. There is however a slimming down of temps and overtime. This is costing the company and the country a lot of money. Who knows where this will end. It's not the same in all areas. The stores in areas that normally get a huge uplift in seasonal holiday trade and not doing so well but not sure how this balances with others.
Quote from: hornimans135 on 02-05-20, 05:15PM
I am 63 and being shielded. I have not been out of house for weeks. I'm likely to be in this position for a lot longer maybe months. I am worried about my job and feel forgotten, and can't exercise at all. I'm desperate to go out for a walk or in the car for a change of scenery. I am very unhappy and feel that my life is ebbing away. Will I lose my job.?
Tescos current Coronavirus policies are largely based on the current government guidelines, the view with both Tescos policies and the governments were that the lockdown might start to ease in about 2-3 months from March. Recent articles have stated that while the spread is starting to slow (we're at the bell curve) it would still be too dangerous to ease the lockdown, the 2-3 month initial prediction was seen as too optimistic.
The government hasn't made any significant changes to the lockdown laws, it's currently reviewed every 3 weeks by Boris Johnson, however it is fair to assume that if there is still significant risk (which there is) then new legislation to protect vulnerable key workers will be introduced towards the end when current protections expire, this most likely will come in the form of extended exceptional paid leave for another 10-12 weeks.
This would also have implications of Tesco having to "repeat" their 10% bonus pay as a way of incentive to keep people from self isolating.
Quote from: hornimans135 on 02-05-20, 05:15PM
I am 63 and being shielded. I have not been out of house for weeks. I'm likely to be in this position for a lot longer maybe months. I am worried about my job and feel forgotten, and can't exercise at all. I'm desperate to go out for a walk or in the car for a change of scenery. I am very unhappy and feel that my life is ebbing away. Will I lose my job.?
@hornimans135 , your post concerns me . Are you shielding alone ? You sound like you're really struggling with the isolation, it is really hard but you need to try to stay positive , think about when the lockdown eases and bit by bit we will return to a new normal . I think a lot of people in the shielding group are finding it difficult but try to use the time to do things you don't usually have time to do , ring a friend you haven't spoken to in a while or come up with creative ways to exercise in the house or garden . Tesco can't sack you due to a government directive and if required to go back to work 12th June they will need to have extra things in place . Stay safe and try to Stay positive
Hi, I am sort of ok, my wife is a carer in the community so I am worried abou her too.
On my letter from Government it tells me to stay at home for 12 weeks or until there is a vaccine. This is making me very unhappy, I cannot do any exercise. Any suggestions?
Try and pass the time with things like Jigsaws, drawing, painting, crosswords, PC/Ipad etc games, learn a new craft. Only do 1-2 hours on each one so that the day is spread among several past times.
Hi everyone hope you’re all well. Has anyone heard if tesco are going to extend the paid absence for the shielding group? Current advice on gov.uk says to shield until end of June.
Matt Hancock speaking on sky this morning saying there may be an extension to the shielded people affected??
Will the extension be for both groups of vulnerable people.
The flu group as they call it is one group, anyone who as flu jab as a result of a medical condition and the second group the at even greater risk due to respiratory high end prolems , receiving cancer treatments such as chemotherapy etc
I would imagine Bojo will make an announcement at the end of the month with an update for the two groups that are affected by the shielding, if there is an extension from the 11th of June will those effected still be on full pay??
Quote from: hornimans135 on 05-05-20, 04:23PM
Hi, I am sort of ok, my wife is a carer in the community so I am worried abou her too.
On my letter from Government it tells me to stay at home for 12 weeks or until there is a vaccine. This is making me very unhappy, I cannot do any exercise. Any suggestions?
It is hard suddenly being at home, out of a routine that you've been doing for years, but more extreme in your case not being able to go out.
I can empathise, to a certain degree. Being a similar age to yourself, I was made redundant May last year! Within two days of leaving, I suffered a sudden bereavement of a much loved parent. I went from being busy most days, with work and visiting to assist with caring, hospital appointments etc...to no routine, no colleague chats, and feeling quite lost!
I was able to get out though, but had little enthusiasm for it, as all my social interactions were mainly in work and caring.
I was offered one interview in twelve months, along with 85 other hopefuls, in a position I was extremely qualified for, but I was the eldest, and refresher courses were ongoing, understandably, why would they want to pay for training for someone due to retire in 5 years ???
I used to smile, when I was younger, at my retired parents routines. But now I understand their reasoning for having set routines everyday. I do it myself now...it gives you focus.
I have menus planned for the week ahead, have set mealtimes, cooking from scratch more, and watching my partners face sometimes, trying to digest another catastrophe, but I'm getting better!
I have projects on the go, things I'd never attempt before through lack of time and knowledge, basic home improvements with the Internet for step by step guidance as backup.
I've decluttered the loft and the c**p drawer ( that everyone has) found old photo albums, which I've sorted for the grandkids with a kind of family tree, explaining who the people in the old photos are, and a bit about each one of them.
I have crossword books, quiz books, etc...
I've reconnected with some old friends on my old school reunited site.
I make a point of never having the T.V. on in the day, just the radio in the background, even been known to bop away to the 70's pop section...( good form of excercise by the way)
My partner doesn't lift a finger when they come home from work, or on their days off. That's our time. There's even a set duvet day, with a good film and munchies!
Keep well, safe and sane!
Quote from: hornimans135 on 05-05-20, 04:23PM
Hi, I am sort of ok, my wife is a carer in the community so I am worried abou her too.
On my letter from Government it tells me to stay at home for 12 weeks or until there is a vaccine. This is making me very unhappy, I cannot do any exercise. Any suggestions?
I'm at home (lifestyle break) shielding with my husband who's having cancer treatment . I'm trying to grow veg some sucks and many in the compost bin , we're lucky we have a garden. This week my husband and I have sent out for short walks just near where we live when it's quiet . We had an exciting day at the hospital for cancer treatment where now he goes on and I sit in the car park and we talk on the phone . Like Lucego we no longer have the news on during the day , we're tidying the shed a little a week as the dump isn't open . Keep strong stay safe x
Is Tesco covering the full 100% of our wage bill or are they using the government to cover it?
Tesco is covering it, contract pay only, so not average hours worked, they refuse to furlough on the basis that they "are still hiring" so rather than look after ones off they'd just rather make them struggle more.
Question regarding shielding ...due to late letter from doctors received this week saying a member should be shielded till mid june and not be in work ....so 4 weeks off work the manager told them they must use 2 weeks holiday.......where has the 12 week off 2 weeks holiday ...seems a bit unfair to have to use 2 weeks out of 4 weeks off .
It's two weeks pro rata. However any Holiday already booked during this period that stands as is.
Being simple here .....what do you mean ...two weeks pro rata ? Thanks ....and any policy if any .
Full 12 weeks @5 days per week = 60 days - 10 days holiday equivalent to 1/6 = 50 days paid
4 weeks @ 5 days days per week = 20 days - 3. 25 days holiday equivalent to 1/6 = 16.75 days paid holiday.
Pro rata being your days per week, if less than 5 would be the equivalent % to if you had the full 12 weeks.
It's a percentage. You need to take two weeks holiday but as you have started your isolation later on it goes on a percentage. For instance, someone I work with has chosen to come back early, they are contracted to three days so would have had to take six days holiday but as they came back early it's now only four. The big however is that if you happen to have holidays already booked these still stand. So if you have two weeks pre-booked between now and 11th June they will still stand. If someone was going to off for the full 12 weeks and they had three weeks pre-booked holiday they would still have to take them.
Hi, I have a lifestyle break that I booked last year for six weeks. I need to cancel this as I am unable to go for health reasons(shielded) a and travel restrictions What should I do, help and advice please.
When is the break booked for?? If imminent you should contact your area people partner ASAP, preferably by email for later proof of contact. Have you checked on the Tesco policies online, does the lifestyle section give scenario of cancelled lifestyle break? Bear in mind that lifestyle breaks contain a two week holiday, which has already been deducted by your sheilding absence, so it needs to be clarified whether they will continue to use those two weeks as pre booked holiday, but don't initiate the question, just be aware and ready to cite as unfair!
Hi I booked lifestyle break and approved on 27/7/2019
I only had to use 1 week holiday when booked. Can I cancel in advance
Holidays I have already booked for later in the year?
How do I get in touch with my people partner? I am shielded from 1/4/20 until 30/6/20.
Lifestyle break from 15/06/20 I week holiday then another five weeks lifestyle break.Any help appreciated.
Contact your store who will have the info for them
I'm currently on a lifestyle break , the rules changed earlier this year , it is all done through your manager now so probably check with them first .
The amount of holidays you can take on a lifestyle break depends on how many you’ve earned to date. Your lifestyle break is unpaid so if you were allowed too many holidays and decided not to return after your break Tesco have no way of getting the money back from overpaid unearned holidays.
Bonny Heather highlights a good point there, as the lifestyle break is unpaid, but your shielding is paid! So you need to get this lifestyle break cancelled, pretty pronto! You would be wise to request a written acknowledgement that the lifestyle break has been voided! In this unprecedented situation, I would imagine it wouldn't be problematic, as the shielding commenced first, so should be deemed as the accepted absence and coded as such.
GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!
Hi I booked my lifestyle break last September and at that time it was only one weeks holiday.
I spoke to my manager today he said he would let me know
I’m not able to get the lifestyle policy
But I will put it in writing.
Hi just wondering does anyone know answer to this. I am off the 12 weeks. I received a letter from both my GP and hospital team. Am due back to work round 11 June. Am I classed as clinically vunerable or clinically extremely vunerable. There is so much confusion. I’m in Northern Ireland store so haven’t been told to shield until end of June as per government guidelines. Both letter state I would be at risk of severe illness if I caught virus.
I’m guessing since Tesco follows government policy, and the government hasn’t exactly been forthcoming on what vulnerable people should do? They are waiting for more info? Honestly no idea what Tesco are going to do
I feel the company is waiting for government guidance on shielding but i know a lot in the store I'm in aren't expecting a lot of those who are shielding returning to work after the 12 weeks.
I guess what happens for us temps depends on what happens with the shielding.
I'm enjoying being in the store I'm in so keeping a lookout for permanent vacancies.
Has anybody heard anything yet about what tesco policy will be for the 2 groups the vulnerable and the extremely vulnerable. A lot of people are due back within the next few weeks.
Was speaking to 2 colleagues today , one was contacted last week and told they are due to return 12th June , they are in the vulnerable group . The other was contacted last week and told that they are clinically extremely vulnerable and Tesco are still not sure what is happening with them but would be in touch when they did . Another colleague I am in contact with regularly hasn't heard a thing .
i haven't heard anything from work for erm beginning of april same with rest of my store who i have spoken to, my guess is if your clinically vulnerable your going back on 12th is clinically extremely vulnerable no idea. i mean what the hell are they doing we go back next week
I work in a Scottish store and my understanding is that we are waiting on guidance from the Scottish government on this but the guess will be is that it will only be the shielded people who will not be back. If vulnerable, you will be back, we think but not confirmed. The reasoning behind this is that the vulnerable categories have slightly changed and there are more measures in place in stores now. Then add to that most of the vulnerable colleagues from my store have been in shopping, on a very regular basis. We only have one who has stayed at home and has not been seen. At the other end we have one vulnerable colleague who was coming into the store daily until someone spoke to him, not managers, it was fellow colleagues. He ruffled a few feathers by coming in daily and then speaking to colleagues and saying how awful he was feeling about being off.
Anyone who has not had the second NHS letter that says you should shield further until the 30th June shoud all be back at work next Friday 12th June. Well thats Englnd and the people with letters should shield until that date and await new government instructions.
And what happens if we get new letters from the government to shield for longer will we get paid or will tesco furlough us? Someone must know by now why are they keeping us in the dark
Quote from: Redshoes on 02-06-20, 07:26AM
I work in a Scottish store and my understanding is that we are waiting on guidance from the Scottish government on this but the guess will be is that it will only be the shielded people who will not be back. If vulnerable, you will be back, we think but not confirmed. The reasoning behind this is that the vulnerable categories have slightly changed and there are more measures in place in stores now. Then add to that most of the vulnerable colleagues from my store have been in shopping, on a very regular basis. We only have one who has stayed at home and has not been seen. At the other end we have one vulnerable colleague who was coming into the store daily until someone spoke to him, not managers, it was fellow colleagues. He ruffled a few feathers by coming in daily and then speaking to colleagues and saying how awful he was feeling about being off.
Really? I was told I was allowed out once a day to exercise. If I was seen out doing anything non exercise related I'd be liable for gross misconduct.
Quote from: Jonathan1970 on 02-06-20, 05:42PM
Anyone who has not had the second NHS letter that says you should shield further until the 30th June shoud all be back at work next Friday 12th June. Well thats Englnd and the people with letters should shield until that date and await new government instructions.
So far I have yet to hear about a 2nd letter from any of those that got the first letter saying in Bold to shield , What they are getting is a text that says you are to shield till the 30th June which is in line with the new Government date this comes from the NHS Text service ,
There still seams to be so much confusion about what is happing with those who are shielding and it looks like there are regional differences on the next steps. In terms of those who are shielding there are two groups those who want to return to work and a group who don't.
Stores haven't left themselves much room to prepare as contracts for temps are ending or already have ended this week. I do note some stores are now advertising permanent roles.
If you are shielding they will not allow you back even if you want to ,
as to temps they could be asked and if they agree they could extend contracts,
[mod]Please do not quote immediately prior post(s).[/mod]
I thought that as well but there have been a couple in our store started back already.
I believed the same but if we are it will be outside policy arrangements as most of us now have less than 7 days left.
If they have Shielding letters , Then they should not be back to work , Tesco will be going against government policy , as it is those that should be shielding can only come out of the Home once a day for exercise and are not even supposed go into a shop let go into a shop to work ,,
Make sure they have shielding letter and are not just saying so since some have tried it on with Tesco and then been found out ,
Thanks Notsofunny. You're absolutely correct.
There is a lot of confusion because of the terminology and the letters.
Simply put (and this is advice for England) if you have an NHS letter you should shield until, "after 29th June." You are in the highest risk group having been identified from either your NHS records or your GP records or by your hospital clinician. We are the 2.8 million clinically extremely vulnerable group. We were to stay home with no face to face contact for 12 weeks until 11th June and that has now been extended until 'after 29th'. The single change to that is that we are allowed outside once a day to exercise or meet one other person.
I haven't received a second letter but govt advice is as always has been clear for this group. Shield for 12 weeks (in the first instance) - that s always emphasised. I doubt the NHS would bother writing to nearly 3 million people to tell them to shield for a couple more weeks when it's everywhere in the media, on nhs.uk gov.uk.......... 🤣
I had my last letter by text, I think the Government is giving information about shielding the coming weekend.
Someone had told me that we have to go to occupational health. Does anyone know anything about this and why?
All those who are shielded have health issues that may or may not have been in someone's file. This is probably because the sick levels were not at issue level or were seen as being at a reasonable level despite the health issues. This should really have been on file as these are now people that are off and the company/store did not even know they had an issue.
These people now need to have these health issues documented with an adjustment passport. This needs to be reviewed frequently depending on situation. If it's not an issue for the colleague and no additional support is needed then that is fine. The review gets longer and longer and will become annual. When the colleague needs additional support occupational health is offered. This is part of the support. A colleague has to agree, personal details are sent off and it's potentially the most personal information that is reviewed so it needs consent but it's to support someone. A support package can be put in place as a result of this.
Quote from: hornimans135 on 15-06-20, 09:03AM
I had my last letter by text, I think the Government is giving information about shielding the coming weekend.
Someone had told me that we have to go to occupational health. Does anyone know anything about this and why?
I do know something about this.
The letters came by post but I was notified by text before its arrival - l by text - that I needed to shield. I have used both the text and letter as proof of shielding.
Tesco has a new People Policy. They are asking those people who are vulnerable to refer themselves to OH. It is a self-referral and you have to consent. It does *not* apply to those who are extremely vulnerable, that is to say those who are shielding. If you have a shielding letter which states you should be off for 12 weeks in the first instance, then you should be at home until after the 29th June. You do not need a referral.to OH irrespective of what your manager says. Shielders are those who have been at home for 12 weeks on the advice of the NHS from their medical records, a list supplemented by GPs and hospital clinicians.
The update on shielding from the govt will be this week and probably Weds - Boris's presenting day. The amended people policy is here;
https://www.ourtesco.com/working-at-tesco/coronavirus-latest-update/help-and-guidance-for-colleagues/
When you download the policy, you will find what you need in Section 7 on page 30 in the first two rows of the table.
Will the vulnerable colleagues who had to return to work yesterday and that work within Leicester where lockdown has been reintroduced now be sent home again for 2 weeks ? I heard on the news today that there's the possibility of another 12 local lockdowns so is this something Tesco need to look at .
All depends on how they have rated the danger level , Is it not just a case of containment to stop it rising ? or has it got to the stage of when it first started or was before they said they had to go back to work ?
If they did send everyone home for 2 weeks they are likely to do so placing everyone on company sick pay or SSP but will they top it up like they are doing or are they just going to pay the SSP only ?
Did some of the Vulnerable not go back on the 15th or something , I am sure some had
Yes I think between the 15th and 30th. I'm more curious as to what will happen to the extremely vulnerable who will be due back end of July or middle of August, if there were local spikes would they be protected. Wondered if any info given to vulnerable colleagues who'd returned. My husband would fall into the extremely vulnerable group and I'm not keen for him to return but we're lucky we could afford for him to take unpaid leave . But we all have to return to normal sometime . For people who are genuinely ill it's very concerning, especially if as a family you haven't really left the house for nearly 4 months .
This is what I have just read hope that helps which to me means those that have returned are to carry on working ,,,
But then if lockdown in this city carry's on then I would expect it to mean Extremely to stay home ,
But then if it was to get worse then I would expect a reversal for those that came back on the 15th
Health secretary Matt Hancock said schools and non-essential retail shops will have to close again, while existing anti-coronavirus measures would be extended for at least two weeks longer than the rest of the country.
Thanks for that
Hope ok to post But can someone one remind me the 10 weeks paid, 2 weeks holiday, 12 weeks altogether . The 2 weeks holiday is that just holidays or to include Bank Holidays. cant see anything written down thank you
Any bank holidays during the twelve weeks should be recorded as bank holidays. Over and above that it's holidays.
Sorry but does that mean that bank holidays are not included in the 12 weeks thank you
No, in my store the actual bank holidays during the 12 weeks people were off were recorded as bh, the rest were holidays. Also, and holidays you had booked before lockdown should stand so it would depend on how it was booked. Holidays and bank holidays are just paid days off. There is little difference about how it would matter. The biggest thing is that if you overbook holidays the system will catch it and stop it. If you over book bank holidays the system allows but does not pay you for them. As its not the end of the holiday year this should not be the case.
We are at some point moving to work and pay, when we do this the holidays will be booked by hours and not days. I don't know F this also means that holidays and bh merge and just become time off in hours. No idea when this will happen but only know it's probably not this year.
As far as I was led to understand...only two weeks Annual Leave would be deducted during the 12 weeks.
Not everyone has the same annual entitlement for BH's, so it would prove complicated and time consuming.
I think bh would be coded as such as this is a day people are technically off so would come under the premise of a bh.
Hi, I had 12 weeks off in isolation 2 weeks holiday. Instructed by government to stay in isolation for a further month, 1 weeks holiday.
Why have I had to use 2 weeks off for 3 months and 1 week off for1 month.
I had three days owing me as I was in hospital in February and March but they will not let me have them now.
Please help me if you can .
I see we were going into a full lockdown, and yet as a vulnerable person and a Tesco worker we went be, guess we can get f***ed then
Wonder if we'll get the 10% extra pay again now we are back in lockdown?
Doubt it, the only reason the extra pay was given was to avoid loads of staff going off claiming to be shielding etc
Quote from: dotnochance on 31-10-20, 07:17PM
I see we were going into a full lockdown, and yet as a vulnerable person and a Tesco worker we went be, guess we can get f***ed then
Its not a full lockdown from what I can see compared to last time and many other vulnerable workers will be working not just in tesco but other places ,
As it stands I think that a lot of those classed last time as vulnerable will not be if they do decided to do it again with shielding ,
Also we have not heard anything from Tesco about all this not that I would expect them to do any thing , what they did last time was way beyond what was expected
Quote from: penguin on 31-10-20, 08:22PM
Doubt it, the only reason the extra pay was given was to avoid loads of staff going off claiming to be shielding etc
Claiming ? thats the first time I have heard that was the reason for the 10% From what I heard it was so staff would come in to work to do the extra hours and the extra effort staff put in , After all nearly everyone was asked for a shielding letter and a lot of them that did not provide one had the pay deducted ,
I see the government has announced the clinically extremely vulnerable should work from home where this is not possible they should not go to work. What do you think Tesco’s approach to this will be. Will it cover the whole uk or just England
Only the extremely clinical vulnerable received letters. Those just vulnerable asked to shield were not sent letters, that's why they weren't handed it.
Quote from: .....1 on 01-11-20, 10:20AM
I see the government has announced the clinically extremely vulnerable should work from home where this is not possible they should not go to work. What do you think Tesco’s approach to this will be. Will it cover the whole uk or just England
I suppose in order to avoid any legal fines if any Tesco would amend it's sickness policy to include sick pay cover without the 3 days period applying for those who are classed as extremely vulnerable by the NHS, they'll probably want proof of this though, maybe the letter that gets sent out.
I know of some specialised retailers that are paying staff to stay home, not even to work.
Feeling vulnerable...I'm 64...worked nights for 23 years... fill soap ...been a nightmare.
Would love to stay at home for 4 weeks. It's becoming a bit frightening. Loads of dot com..probably going to start earlier again.
Boris only set things out for the England so as such its down to the other country's to decide what they are going to do I would say that if the others went into lock down then it would be the same since that's what it was last time on pay ,
What legal fines can be imposed on Tesco if they are going according to Gov rules ? I cant find any place that they have said ( gov) the extremely vulnerable are to be paid from day one , remember its not a tesco policy on the 3 day rule But a Gov rule on SSP , If I heard correctly they said they would send out another letter , if not then use the one that was sent out last time I would say and I hope People go by this letter since last time some at Tesco and other places ended up getting pay stopped since they did not have one , remember the letter had to say Shielding ,,
Quote from: The hooch on 01-11-20, 08:50PM
Feeling vulnerable...I'm 64...worked nights for 23 years... fill soap ...been a nightmare.
Would love to stay at home for 4 weeks. It's becoming a bit frightening. Loads of dot com..probably going to start earlier again.
I would think all you can do is talk to your line manager about how you feel, say it to them like you have on this site, find out if they can just have a word with the pickers about only one coming into you area at a time, all to have face masks on, keeping a distance, remember they have to make it Covid secure for you and everyone else and this is the time for you and everyone else to put their foot down about things ,,, good luck.
Stores got a e mail to advice managers that those staff that are extremely vulnerable are expext3d to be off again from Thursday. So for managers to plan ahead .. updates with details to come on Tuesday ..
Does this include Scottish and Welsh stores with extremely vulnerable to?
Quote from: .....1 on 02-11-20, 02:30PM
Does this include Scottish and Welsh stores with extremely vulnerable to?
sorry should have said this is in England
but also depends which way your Government is going I have this feeling that Scotland /wales /and Northern Island will also decide to go the same way as England in the next few days
Dear all,
Ahead of the lockdown in England and different restrictions across the UK, I want to make sure that all colleagues have the latest advice, and to reassure you that our priority remains your health, safety and wellbeing.
In England, the Government has advised that from 5 November, people who are deemed to be Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) should not go to work if they are unable to work from home. As a business we have taken the decision to ask all CEV colleagues and Clinically Vulnerable (CV) colleagues who have been deemed higher risk by Occupational health â€" including those living in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales â€" to not come to work from 5 November to 2 December 2020. These colleagues will be paid and we will review the situation throughout November in advance of 2 December.
Further guidance has been shared with managers and people partners. Colleagues should be aware if they fall into one of these categories but please do speak to your manager if you are unsure if this policy applies to you.
The last few months have been challenging for us all. COVID-19 has brought a huge amount of uncertainty, and I’m sure for many of us, greater levels of stress and anxiety than usual into our lives. Please remember the resources we have available to you all on Headspace and SilverCloud, to support your mental wellbeing. I’d encourage you to take five minutes out of your day today, do something for yourself, sign up to these resources and explore what they can offer. You can access both from a computer, tablet or phone and more information is available on Our Tesco.
As ever, the best ways to avoid catching and spreading the virus, are to follow social distancing measures â€" including keeping two metres away from those not in your household, wearing a face covering where required (unless exempt) and good hygiene practices. It’s really important that we all play our part, by requesting a test if we experience symptoms, self-isolating where necessary and following the instructions of the contact tracing teams.
More than ever, the contribution of our colleagues in delivering for our customers is of critical importance. Thank you once again for all your efforts.
My very best wishes to you and your families, and please take care.
Natasha Adams
Does Natasha's statement mean you have to have been interview by OccHealth? Or do you just have to be over 70?
Yup, most people in my store where told it’s OH was only really for the extremely vulnerable, so most didn’t do it. So we all just got f***ed. oh and OH interviews are closed wont be doing anymore
So if you were offered occupational health as you were classed as vulnerable ,but didnt you now have to work and not classed vulnerable, does not seem right
I returned to work 29th June and I felt pressured to not opt into the OC health referral. I've just found out that the OC health referral was still open to clinically vulnerable folk, but I wasn't told about it - I was led to believe that it was a one-off situation. Regarding today's news - is there any way folk can we still request an OH referral specifically for the ongoing COVID-19 situation or is it an absolute zero chance now?
So government brings out 2 categories, clinically vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable,.but Tesco make a 3rd category up ,
The ones who spoke to occupational health when offered it and if you decided not to your not in any category
Does anyone know if thats actually the case or are we adding 2 and 2 together and making 5?
Why are people bringing in OH .. it has nothing to do with it at all . If you got told by the Government health service that you had to stay at home and you got a shielding letter to say for thats it .You don't need anything else . OH has no power to move you out of it or move you into it .OH from what i u derstand was just to help you return back to work. Remember if you feel you.should.be off talk to your manager and talk to your doctor that's the important thing to do .
From what I understand, if you were classed as vulnerable and shielded in the previous lockdown
you should request an OH questionnaire, which they can email to you, OH will then advise if you should continue to work , just because you shielded last time doesn't mean you are at the same level of risk as stores are deemed Covid safe workplaces.
Theres clinically vulnerable and clinically extreme vulnerable ,
The clinically vulnerable wasnt given letters to shield but advised to.
This time their not told to shield unless employers advise.
That's where the occupational health came in .
If you've had a meeting with them and they are aware you may be able to shield again
It was an online OH questionnaire that was done in June , if you were clinically extremely vulnerable and deemed unsafe to return to work in July you were categorized as "c" . The category c colleagues are to sheild again . The paperwork I've seen says this questionnaire is no longer available. I also believe that it was a very small percentage of colleagues that were categorized as "c" , the new policy is online at our Tesco
that makes no sense sense, they say all clinically extremely vulnerable AND category c people will be shielding, but your saying "if you were clinically extremely vulnerable and deemed unsafe to return to work in July you were categorized as "c" ???
I've been told I have to shield for 4 weeks..I offered to sign the disclaimer so I could go in to work but was told I cant as I'm on the extremely vulnerable patient list..
What is in the 3 categories a,b and c
As cant find a link that works
A B and C were the categories assigned by the June OH questionnaire, A - back to work , B- back to work with amendments made , C - continue to shield throughout July.
Where can you find out who or what is in each group .
I keep reading what group is doing what ,but what catorgry is in in each group
If it is relevant to you , you would have filled the OH questionnaire in back in June and they would have replied telling you which category you were in . The OH questionnaire is no longer available. If you have any concerns speak to your manager. The things I know that put you in category C were , chemotherapy, immunotherapy , immunosuppressive drugs , any blood cancer treatment. I'm sure there is more but basically anything that suppressed your immune system .
Quote from: expressman77 on 04-11-20, 09:12AM
Where can you find out who or what is in each group .
I keep reading what group is doing what ,but what catorgry is in in each group
There isn’t a category for each group. It depends on that persons medication etc. Someone with moderate asthma for example wouldve been in group B, but someone with severe asthma who has to take steroids would be in group C. It really depends on what medication you’re on. But as a whole, it’s the extremely clinically vulnerable who were put into the group C on OH. Roughly the same guide is on the nhs website under coronavirus.
@expressman77,
The only colleagues who were put in a group were the colleagues who were off shielding from March.
And then only if they went to OH.
The colleague and there manager knows which group they were in.
There isn’t a list on a wall for everyone to see.
It basically comes down to this
Did you receive a shielding letter from either your GP/Consultant, NHS or Matt Hancock sometime between March and July?
If you can answer yes, then you are off from Thursday.
If you didn’t then unfortunately you are to continue to come to work as normal, unless you were told by OH in June that you are in group C, and you didn’t return till August.
If you feel that you should be shielding then you have a few options
1. Contact your GP/Consultant and ask them to see if you should be shielding and will give you a shielding letter.
If they won’t then unfortunately you are not in the shielding group.
2. Speak to your manager about taking holidays or unpaid leave for the month or changing roles.
I get people are concerned and think they should be of shielding, however Tesco is just following the advice from the Government/NHS who have decided which groups fall into the CEV category.
By now everyone should know if they are classed as CEV or not.
i didn't get my letter, but because im on certain drugs fostair for one, i 100% should be shielding! but because i didnt get letter, im not. even though doctor said i should, that f****ng letter f***ed me
@dotnochance , I think you need to remember that the government have NOT recommended shielding again , they have said if you can work from home and if not restrict your social contact . Shielding was not recommended in Wales or Northern Ireland who have a much higher rate of infection BUT Tesco have decided to shield their most vulnerable members of staff now that Westminster have decided on a lockdown . This is not government recommended shielding so it is up to Tesco to set their rules and not Doctors.
I will say again this is my understanding of the situation and not me agreeing with it .
@dotnochance, all I can really advise you to do, is contact your GP/Consultant and ask for a letter from them, other than that speak to your manager and see if they can refer you to OH or contact the PP for advice.
But without OH or a Shielding letter I’d say you’ll have to carryon unless you take holidays/unpaid.
I know it sounds harsh, but Tesco has to follow something and unfortunately they are going by the Governments Shielding categories and OH recommendations, otherwise you will have tens of thousands of colleagues saying because they have XYZ they should be off paid.
I’m seeing it as are others with the wearing of masks.
Sound advice Welshie and Morris :thumbup:
Just want to add that having seen 4 Shielding letters of friends that still work for Tesco non of who had a OH done on return each letter of shielding says ( Clinically extremely vulnerable ) all 4 have been asked to do a OH so that Tesco can see if they are to stay off work , all 4 have Just passed on the letter showing the wording , and given personal details like NHS number which will be used to see if they are on the Government list which i understand that Tesco have access to ,
Unfortunately Not every one that was off before will be classed as needing to be off again , on top of which many that did go off saying they had the letter and did not have one ,so this is why they are doing this ,
My store is only furloughing CEVs, so those with e.g asthma or are over 70 are not being furloughed, this contradicts the email from Natasha. What about your store?
@extrastore
No colleague is being furloughed,
If you mean your store is only sending home the CEV colleagues on full sick pay then yes they are following the company policy which was in Natasha email.
The email I had from her didn’t mention anything about colleagues with asthma or the over 70’s, only about CEV colleagues.
You have to remember the business has already supported these individuals by giving them at least 12 weeks full pay whilst they sat at home shielding. The government state only CEV need to work from home so there will be many who were off last time that now must work.
There will be many in the workforce angry at people who haven't had shielding letters yet again are trying to get even more paid time off.
Not everyone is thinking of have a jolly up month off, they are genuinely worried about they're health, the pandemic has hit my local area far worse than the first wave, unfortunately the managements attitude is like yours, thinking everyone with a underlying health condition is some kind of work shy skiver, which is definitely not the case!!!
Quote from: Zx81 on 04-11-20, 05:08PM
Not everyone is thinking of have a jolly up month off, they are genuinely worried about they're health, the pandemic has hit my local area far worse than the first wave, unfortunately the managements attitude is like yours, thinking everyone with a underlying health condition is some kind of work shy skiver, which is definitely not the case!!!
Great reply, you can tell from previous comments that if your concerned about being at work when you have a heskth issue and was shielding last time your being classed as trying to avoid work, talk about a caring community
Your correct there are genuinely concerned colleagues who do not fit into the CEV category,
But you must also acknowledge that there are colleagues who are trying to get the time off just because others are having it off!
There’s at least 2 in my store who want it off just because! yet there’s also a youngish female on my department who has no health issues at all, yet is absolutely petrified of catching COVID and leaving her young daughter without a mum.
Tesco have had to draw a line somewhere and they have, if they gave everyone who wanted it off the time off fully paid then there would be literally no-one in stores.
There’s options open to you if you’re worried about working, however as a nation we are going to have to learn to live with it!
I agree, we are going to have to learn to live with it and Tesco may have to draw a line under it but when colleagues were sent home last time it was said to be because it was unsafe for them to be on site, apart from some hand gel and a one way system nothing has changed, so apart from the financial aspect it's hard to understand the concern of march to the complete lack of concern in November, not even a briefing!
Yes colleagues were sent home in March on the Government’s instructions, this time the Government has said not too.
I don’t think it’s a lack of concern from above, more Tesco are following the Governments guidance, which is only the CEV’s to stay at home.
I think the briefing was from Boris on Saturday night🙂
Now whether we believe Sage’s advice and figures that led to the Government issuing the advice and
this lockdown is up to each person to decide!
Me personally I’d say let the CEV’s etc shield with full pay from the Government but let everyone else get on with it.
You can see day by day more and more people not following the advice/restrictions in effect at the moment, and it will come to a point when more people are not following it than are, at this point nothing the Government does will make a difference!
There’s a bill coming that’s going to take decades to pay back, which unfortunately will mean higher taxes for all this countries workers, many of whom have worked all through the lockdowns!
copied from natasha’s email - specifically mentions CV colleagues
As a business we have taken the decision to ask all CEV colleagues and Clinically Vulnerable (CV) colleagues who have been deemed higher risk by Occupational health â€" including those living in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales â€" to not come to work from 5 November to 2 December
Only those that fell into group C by OH.
If you had an OH report in June you were put in group A, B or C, which you would have been told by OH.
So if you didn’t have an OH report or were put in group A or B then you are to carryon working.
Still some recognition of the people who are far more likley to get seriously I'll from covid19 it's ok to say just get on with it when you have very little chance of becoming seriously I'll, not even a simple briefing or any plan to make it safer for vunreable colleagues it's just get on with it we've got to, just think if the boot was on the other foot.
Quote from: Zx81 on 04-11-20, 05:08PM
Not everyone is thinking of have a jolly up month off, they are genuinely worried about they're health, the pandemic has hit my local area far worse than the first wave, unfortunately the managements attitude is like yours, thinking everyone with a underlying health condition is some kind of work shy skiver, which is definitely not the case!!!
Its anything but a jolly month off . For colleagues who are being paid to shield its stay at home , you should not be out except for exercise or medical appointments , quite hard if you're ill or alone . It's a very concerning time for everyone not just the CV that have to work , those who have extremely vulnerable family at home are also really worried , many took unpaid leave last time but people dont have unlimited savings to do this . I think we need to support each other more in store .
My 4 friends that passed on the letters from last time stating C.E.V on them have been told no need for OH to get involved , Tesco is not allowing anyone else to be off ,,
And as of 3 hours ago 11 friends working In Tesco and places like Schools and banks have received a E mail stating that they should stay at home all come under C.E.V,
As to jolly month off , Think how much fun a single person will have all alone in a flat not being able to go out to the shops or to be able to meet friends and family with the hope that the post man ..women will drop around and post some junk mail , or standing at a window looking out in the hope someone will look up at them and give a wave ,,, yep a lot of people will have a jolly good time ,,,,,,
Just resurrecting this in light of the new strain.
How are Tesco dealing with the over 70s now? My mother, late 70s diabetic and not in the best of health, works on the tills and is quite worried about working at the moment. Unfortunately she needs the money to live so taking time off unpaid isn’t an option which apparently is how this is being managed now. What would happen if an older employee got covid and, god forbid, died? How would Tesco spin that? I suspect they wouldn’t care.
They would probably class it as 'a small number' and move on to the next tenner in the till.
Quote from: josephinebutler on 10-01-21, 07:09PM
Just resurrecting this in light of the new strain.
How are Tesco dealing with the over 70s now? My mother, late 70s diabetic and not in the best of health, works on the tills and is quite worried about working at the moment. Unfortunately she needs the money to live so taking time off unpaid isn’t an option which apparently is how this is being managed now. What would happen if an older employee got covid and, god forbid, died? How would Tesco spin that? I suspect they wouldn’t care.
Unless she has a shielding letter there is no comeback on Tesco , they are following government guidelines and paying staff with shielding letters full pay to stay off and shield which is more than many companies are doing .