OK but confused. My colleagues said they feel sorry for me. As I'm only. Contracted to 7 hours so that means I won't get sick pay when I was off work.
But my manager (although great person, often makes mistakes so not sure to believe it now) said I get my contract hours pay (but obviously no overtime)
NHS track and trace said as I work part time and with benefits I can get a £500 grant but ONLY if tesco DON'T pay my "full wages"
But unfair that I lose £500 because tesco may pay me £63 when everyone else gets the full £500 like one my friends.
So I need to find out.. Either way I'm now overdrawn at the bank and going to lose ton on my next payday as I'm only. Contracted to 7 hours. The rest is all overtime etc.
You could probabyclaim universal credit for the time you need to self isolate if you only get paid for 7 hours.
You could still be eligible regardless, as there is the discretionary benefit of the £500 that can be awarded, but like above, if your on universal you could still get the payment, but you can always use the excuse "I do regular overtime (if you do) and from that you are financially worse off..
If you work under 16 hours a week, I believe you can claim UC, the £500 payment wouldn't exclude certain people on UC from others I would have thought.
Just had the same situation!! 7 1/2 hours but work 20-25 every week!! Got £74 for the 10 days!! Can't claim the £500 because Tesco pay sick pay!! Absolute joke!!
I was on shift and was taken ill mid shift fever diarrhea etc and was sent home and told to do a covid test (even tho there's a bad bug going around) I was told not to return until I provide a negative test and I have put my colleagues at risk I have been double jabbed and was willing to carry on working just take some medication so because they have sent me home where do I stand on getting paid? Its beyond my control if they send me home I dnt feel its fair missing out on pay when I was willing to stay 8-)
My understanding is that if you worked at least half of your hours in your shift, then you would be paid for your whole shift.
However, you probably won;t get paid if you have any further days off -
well based on the "no pay for first three days" of sickness.
Unless you started with the company before 2004 or something similar
But also, I'm not sure what the current policy is is you do happen to test positive and therefore are unable to return to work?
Quote from: Dante on 10-08-21, 01:02PM
I was on shift and was taken ill mid shift fever diarrhea etc and was sent home and told to do a covid test (even tho there's a bad bug going around) I was told not to return until I provide a negative test and I have put my colleagues at risk I have been double jabbed and was willing to carry on working just take some medication so because they have sent me home where do I stand on getting paid? Its beyond my control if they send me home I dnt feel its fair missing out on pay when I was willing to stay 8-)
if your sent home and told not to return until a test, then under the Covid Q&A FAQ you'll be paid for the time off while waiting, regardless if it's a normal bug or not. the retail daily news of Tuesday 15th June outlines that if your unwell, you should stay home and book a test immediately.
"Please remind all colleagues that if at any time they have COVID-19 symptoms or feel generally unwell at all - they should stay at home and book a test immediately. Also if anyone in their household has symptoms, or if they are contacted by NHS Test and Trace they also need to isolate. If any colleague feels unwell at work, they should speak to their line manager or the duty manager immediately."
so if your not paid, raise it as a pay dispute > grievance >:D
If you're sick during a shift the whole white is paid regardless of the reason, doesn't matter how little of the shift is worked it's always paid.
This is because the 3 day wait applies from the first full day of sickness, but as you were told to take a tests and not return it would be covid related sickness and full pay.
If you work more than half the shift it isn't included in your absence percentage.
I hope this is the case as I'm still at home waiting on the test result so I've missed 3 days work now I don't feel it's fair as the bug I had has now passed and I feel fine to return but can't until I get them and the more shifts I miss the more my sickness absence is goin up no doubt get dragged in for an AR 😡
Any sickness related to covid (eg you taking a test / waiting for results) will be invalidated, it's not allowed to be used as part of your Percentage, and it will get thrown out in any meeting so do challenge that.
Quote from: Dante on 12-08-21, 01:37PM
I hope this is the case as I'm still at home waiting on the test result so I've missed 3 days work now I don't feel it's fair as the bug I had has now passed and I feel fine to return but can't until I get them and the more shifts I miss the more my sickness absence is goin up no doubt get dragged in for an AR 😡
Covid test results are returned in less than 24 hours, aren't they?
I've just had a quick read of the policies and while they've snuck some changes against the workforce in the major plots haven't changed.
Your absence is covid related so will be paid because you're self isolating due to covid.
Tesco have updated their Covid related sick policy - not sure how this applies to the poster who asked the question - but they have limited the payment of sick pay from day 1 to certain special circumstances - not just "Covid related" :
As the rules around COVID-19 begin to relax further, we've been actively reviewing all our people polices, including the need to self-isolate after coming into contact with someone who has COVID-19.
Following the latest Government guidance, where a colleague is contacted by the various national contact tracing services, you will not need to self-isolate and can attend work if you are double vaccinated (and 14 days have passed since your second vaccine) or under the age of 18.
There are currently different policies across the UK:
In Scotland it is also mandatory that you have received a negative PCR test before you return to work, and you must self-isolate while awaiting the result. You'll be paid COVID-19 sick pay while waiting for your PCR test results which is normally within 24 hours.
In England, the Government advise and encourage you to take a PCR as soon as possible; although you will not be required to self-isolate whilst awaiting the result.
In Wales, the Government advise and encourage you to take a PCR on day two and day eight after being contact traced, although you will not be required to self-isolate whilst awaiting the result.
In Northern Ireland, the guidance is yet to be formally published but it expected that a similar approach to Wales will be applied.
If you test positive or have COVID-19 symptoms or live with someone who is confirmed as positive, you must continue to isolate for the full ten days, regardless of being vaccinated (in such case, our COVID-19 sick pay policy will continue to apply).
If you choose not to attend work and continue to isolate, or if you're not eligible for the exemption from self-isolation, our normal sickness absence policy will apply except in limited cases. You should discuss this with your manager.
For England, this takes effect from 16 August. For Wales and Scotland this policy is already in place in line with changes introduced by the devolved governments of those nations. For colleagues who live or work in Northern Ireland we will update the policy as soon as the guidance is formally published, this is expected to be prior to 16 August. In the meantime, colleagues in Northern Ireland and England (until 16 August), should continue to isolate for the full ten days if they are identified as a close contact.
I'm confused. Do we get paid for isolating or not? Pretty sure if I took a test I would test positive but can't afford to lose out on 10 days pay, especially at this time of year.
Policy has changed I got pinged in July had to isolate for 10days I got paid for it policy changed not long after people on my dept were told if you have been double jabbed and been told to isolate u can work waiting for the results even tho there's a chance I may have it which is bloody scandalous but there u go when I had to isolate I had to get my nhs case number my isolation certificate aswell and gave that in and if u live alone claim the isolation payment or enquire at least
Well I was told to take a lateral flow test, came back as positive so was sent home and told to get a PCR test. Now I assume if that comes back negative they wont pay me for the 2/3 days that they have made me miss waiting for the results :(
Bit of a joke really.
Example from our store, one guy had to wait for test results. He lost some money (first 3 days) but result was negative. It feels that, while on quarantine you loose 3 days max and then yours sick pay kicks in.
Quote from: Chambers21 on 03-11-21, 03:22PM
Well I was told to take a lateral flow test, came back as positive so was sent home and told to get a PCR test. Now I assume if that comes back negative they wont pay me for the 2/3 days that they have made me miss waiting for the results :(
Bit of a joke really.
So you came to work with symptoms?
to be fair if you listen to tesco advice you can work until your test comes back positive... whether symptoms or not.. thats the stupidity of the policy...
"Under no circumstances should colleagues who have Covid symptoms attend work without completing a negative
PCR test or until they have completed the ten days isolation.
Colleagues who have a negative PCR test can return to work immediately if they are well enough. "
then you've got the bit futher down that says this:
"Colleagues do not need to self-isolate whilst they wait for the PCR test result so are able to attend
work during that time."
so its a confusing wording as always..
Yes you still get paid sick pay (Cvoid) if you have the new covid or have to isolate because you're high risk.
If we have already been off paid for Covid once and a month or so pater we test positive again do we still get pay or is it 10 days unpaid?
its paid if your to isolate, but it's always following sickness policy first so first 3 days are unpaid unless you have a long service then its paid from day 1 (quite far back), so yes paid.
Actually guys this is where it gets odd
Spoke with an ex rep yesterday smartest person I know who works for tesco, always trusted him with everything.
SSP is paid from day 1.
Company sick pay is paid after a 3 day wait.
SSP is required to be paid by law so Tesco cannot withhold that.
They can do what they want with company sick pay.
Managers briefing is apparently useless.
They don't advertise the changes to their pandemic policy at all you have to look for it which isnt with the rest of the policies.
It's up to managers discretion if you get paid from day 1 as covid sickness or are made to wait 3 days.
I would suggest that these "rules" apply:
Do we have to pay employees who are off sick with diagnosed Covid-19?
Yes, employees will be entitled to the employer's usual sick leave and pay provisions, including SSP. Even if the employee only has mild symptoms, under government guidance they should self-isolate and arrange to have a PCR test. Anyone who has been notified of a positive test result is legally required to self-isolate for ten days at home. This can be reduced to a minimum of seven days following two negative lateral flow tests taken at least 24 hours apart, with the first test taken no earlier than day six. Employees who are self-isolating in these circumstances are entitled to SSP.
Do we have to pay employees who are off sick with Covid-19 symptoms but have not been diagnosed?
If the employee has symptoms which mean they are too unwell to come to work they will be entitled to the employer's usual sick leave and pay provisions, including SSP.
If an employee has very mild Covid-19 symptoms and might otherwise be tempted to try to attend work, government guidance requires them to self-isolate and they would be entitled to SSP if they can't work from home.
What about short absences and waiting days?
SSP entitlement is subject to the following:
SSP is not generally payable during the first three qualifying days of sickness, known as "waiting days" but this provision has been disapplied for coronavirus cases.
Irrespective of the change to the "waiting days" provision, employees must still have a total period of incapacity for work of at least four days to be eligible for SSP.
In practice, this means that if someone is off sick with Covid-19 symptoms and is subsequently diagnosed with coronavirus, they are entitled to SSP from the first day of sickness. If they are sick for three days or fewer and receive a negative Covid-19 test result in that time, however, they would not be entitled to SSP. If they are sick for more than three days but do not have coronavirus, they would be entitled to SSP under the usual (non-Covid) rules and would not receive SSP for the first three "waiting days".
The position is the same for self-isolation. I.e. although the "waiting days" provision has been disapplied the employee must still have an overall period of absence of at least four days to qualify for SSP. So a period of self-isolation which lasts only three days or less will not qualify for SSP.
Hi. A friend at work has to isolate for 10 days as a member of their household is positive. They aren't fully vaccinated yet which is why they have been told to isolate. They receive sick pay from day one so will all their missed shifts be paid?
They should receive SSP for the entire period.
And company sick pay from day 4.
Tesco don't care why you're not vaccinated unless OH tells them you can't be.
Thanks for the reply. They have 20 years service and receive company sick pay from day one, so should they not be paid in full from day one ?
Yes, anyone on an old contract gets full pay from day 1.
Quote from: oldfashionedplayer on 20-07-21, 07:20PM
You could still be eligible regardless, as there is the discretionary benefit of the £500 that can be awarded, but like above, if your on universal you could still get the payment, but you can always use the excuse "I do regular overtime (if you do) and from that you are financially worse off..
Tried that but I'm on esa rather then uc and they said. "as you are contracted to 7 hours a week and we're paid for the full wage you are contracted to you do not qualify and nothing can be done. Further attempts will be classified as fraud"
Quote from: Suemay on 01-08-21, 12:46AM
Just had the same situation!! 7 1/2 hours but work 20-25 every week!! Got £74 for the 10 days!! Can't claim the £500 because Tesco pay sick pay!! Absolute joke!!
It's disgusting. 😔 Hate being. On low contract hours.. Tesco make it seem they re good paying "full wage" but not any overtime and goverment class tesco ayign your contract in full so you don't qualify for a single penny..
Even if it was £500 less the amount you got paid.. Or even if you proved what hours you were supposed to work (on myshift etc) and got paid for the hours missed... Even if its not the £500.. Cause now I'm in debt and council where I claim this money off just shrug and say "nothing we can do. You already on benefits and you got. Your full wage off work
It's is up to the council to decide who gets that £500 payment but being on ESA (https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance) doesn't mean you can't get it I've helped several people on ESA receive the payment in similar situations, it's even listed on some council forms as a qualifier entitlement.
The grant is for anyone who will be worse off, but each council is allowed to make their own criteria, which is granted a bit c**p but its definitely not fraud and no prosecutor would try their chances, it doesn't meet the legal definition of fraud.
My council said as I'm contracted to 7 hours and I was paid for those hours then any claim for money is "fraud", as 100% wage had been paid. It goes on in bright red text that if I continue they will open an investigation to see if I should be paid or not, and if not "further action may occur".
My council are evil Tories. Even when bedroom tax came out they were the first to implement it and close all loopholes to avoid paying (loophole was if you lived there before 1996 you don't have to pay but they closed that loophole within 20 minutes apparently and denied all disabled people discretionary who needed that spare room but not full time carer).
So I'm not sure how to do it?
You get just tick boxes on my council website.
"full wage paid, ssp only, no wages" and if I "tick" the wrong one they will class it as "attempted fraud" there's nowhere to explain I've lost 4 overtime shifts during my 2 weeks off with Covid
And who do you work for, name and address and then says if I continue it will pass through an anti-fraud team first and liaison with my employer to check if they paid wages or not.
(citizens advice ironically ran by the same evil Tories) said not to continue as my "wage was paid in full as per 7 hour contract as overtime is not counted as a wage".
It's like I need a flipping lawyer to go through this c**p!
It's not as if I'm asking for the full £500, but my payslip for Friday is £200 LESS then expected.
Under the new policy you will only be paid fully if you have the virus no other self isolation will pay fully, they're not even paying SSP from day 1 ad legally required.
The policy states this its in the pandemic policy only, and isn't with the rest of the policies on the website.
A driver at my place has raised it I'd they don't pay him he's brutal and will just sue them.
However you have every right to apply everytime you are off isolating due to covid the CPS and police will laugh them off, there's no case to be made here as long as you are honest about what you tell them.
And Tory councils are not the only c**p ones, I'm arguing with a Labour Council and it's just as bad
I don't know where to post this, sorry if this is the wrong place..
I had side effects after my vaccines and booster and missed two days of work each time, I don't mind not getting payed for it, but today, when I had my return to work and the manager informed me that my absence percentage is above 3% or something of the kind and I'll receive a letter and have an absence meeting, I was under the impression that covid related absences don't count towards that percentage?
They don't . Tell your manager the same one that gave you the return to work that the policy hasn't changed for covid related absence and he should check ourtesco for the policy
October 20th feedback thing -
"Feedback: is absence following the booster jab to be coded as sickness or using the COVID Code?
Response: if a colleague is unwell following a covid vaccination (including booster jabs), they should follow the normal absence process and notify the store they are absent. On returning to work they are required to have a RTW meeting, at which point the manager can choose to pay (at their discretion) the absence as COVID related sickness. Managers should fully understand the details of the symptoms, look a the colleagues absence history and make a reasonable judgement given the circumstances.
Funny how the slackers all had a "bad reaction" to the jabs and the ones that are never off were perfectly fine...
No need for management jabs at people, or to start stuff, everyone is different and people may have a reaction or not, or be forced to continue to work by such management and such.
Plenty of "grafters" in higher positions though I guess that we could all have a different opinion on the word of :D
Policy though is that it won't affect your attendance, it can be passed onto personnel management though who can look at whether to pay based on information provided, rather than just unpaid, but most likely if your not in the managers pockets it will be unpaid.
Quote from: madness on 08-01-22, 06:26PM
Funny how the slackers all had a "bad reaction" to the jabs and the ones that are never off were perfectly fine...
I planned all my jabs to be on days off and still felt the effects ...still a slacker am i ?
Search yammer for "booster" you'll find an attachment relating to some comms that came down over Christmas that said from 20/12/21 reaction to booster is paid covid related absence 😁
Challenge, be paid, and keep your attendance clean 😁
Thanks for the replies and help, much appreciated!
Will talk with an Union rep on Monday regardless if I get a letter or not.
Quote from: Baba_G on 08-01-22, 11:36PM
Quote from: madness on 08-01-22, 06:26PM
Funny how the slackers all had a "bad reaction" to the jabs and the ones that are never off were perfectly fine...
I planned all my jabs to be on days off and still felt the effects ...still a slacker am i ?
Statistics mean nothing to the individual
Could be worse I guess, our store has plenty that aren't vaccinated cause they don't believe in this one being needed, so whenever they get a cold etc they phone up saying they've got symptoms and need to book a test.... Got one on nights who's been off 11 times so far with covid for us, and he's a grafter... He's probably one of 2 on nights that does graft and do his aisle right, but like he says.
"policy and government says if I have any symptoms, isolate, may as well get paid if I feel a bit ill", he himself never has had covid, but he's got the app for pinging and a large family and custom for his background so he's got a good chance to be off 🤷♂️.
Some play the system better than others, grafters can do it just as much as slackers, difference is they'll probably do it much better and for longer than a slacker 😂
Probably the reason tesco policy changed so much since the start to be fair, never really saw the guy at the start of covid once that policy came in 😂.
Thry do make it difficult though to find out just the basic info of whether you do, or whether you don't or whether booster counts as full etc... So there's plenty of things that can be interpreted I guess to get paid for a reaction or for being off depending on the day they update stuff atm....
Either way, if you can't beat them, join them, better to be on the safe side if there's a policy I place to pay you while your off and without affecting attendance etc, take it 😂
I have a question, I'm currently isolating due to a positive covid test and my store have asked me to do training while isolating and have been in contact with me on days 3 and 4 of isolation asking how I am. In my 8 years of tesco, I've never had this happen, is it allowed?
training?????? tell them to get f***ed! you're ill >:(
I'm a delivery driver and if i have to self isolate due to being in contact with someone that has covid, will i still get paid?
Quote from: TL-500 on 21-01-22, 03:02PM
I have a question, I'm currently isolating due to a positive covid test and my store have asked me to do training while isolating and have been in contact with me on days 3 and 4 of isolation asking how I am. In my 8 years of tesco, I've never had this happen, is it allowed?
Training is to be done during work time, so since your isolating with pay, possibly, though you could just say you can't access your account since you haven't setup the 2factor thing from MPC in-store etc so you can't get on and / or say you can't get on with your password, since their system is complete trash.
as for "nothappy" - If you've been told you have to by track and trace, Yes, if you aren't fully vaccinated, Yes, if you are vaccinated and just been told by someone who is that you should, then no you can work until you are positive, just "recommended" to take daily tests... its only if you've got symptoms if you've been in contact now i believe... ???
Quote from: TL-500 on 21-01-22, 03:02PM
I have a question, I'm currently isolating due to a positive Covid test and my store have asked me to do training while isolating and have been in contact with me on days 3 and 4 of isolation asking how I am. In my 8 years of Tesco, I've never had this happen, is it allowed?
I had to do that when I had to shield for 3 months when Covid first came out - but if you are isolating and positive Covid your officially "sick" I didn't mind doing it when I was shielding. I preferred it actually as I was bored to death after 1 month! but they shouldn't made you do that when isolating!!!
You don't have to isolate any more .
under updated policy, you isolate, you can be investigated if your positive and face action for it... read the updated 24th one, government reccomends, tesco says stay off.
[mod]Please do not quote immediately prior post(s).[/mod]
Will we get given full pay though or just sick pay after 3 days?
So I tested positive, I'm currently on holiday I know I wont get the hours back but if i wait until tomorrow or Monday to tell them I'm positive then do I isolate for 5 days ? Just thinking f*ck it might as well get 2 weeks off >:D
You get full pay while off with covid positive yes, if you aren't vaccinated for religious reasons or choice then sickness policy applies with wait days i believe.. If you are waiting on another vaccine then you will be, cause your following advice to get vaccinated and doing your part..
As for the above, save the test, tell them you've tested and send a photo of it, policy says you have to isolate, there's a flow chart with it on the covid policy page easy to follow - if positive on EITHER,. A Lateral, or PCR, then you must isolate working for tesco, for a minimum of 5 days, and take another lateral on the 5th in the hopes of returning on the 6th if negative, can be up to 10 days..
Likewise if you have symptoms, you must isolate, you don't need to take a test, just say you've got symptoms and isolate for 5 days, as policy says "if you can get a test" - so if you've got symptoms, at Tesco policy is you should be isolating not going out to buy a test to find out, so just say you ain't got any at home.
Im amazed that tesco are doing this when my current employer are now considering covid nothing more than a cold and insist on staff coming to work with covid.
just don't buy a covid test from instore,they are an epw at the moment,due to giving false results
Quote from: expresscoop on 16-04-22, 01:08PM
Im amazed that tesco are doing this when my current employer are now considering covid nothing more than a cold and insist on staff coming to work with covid.
That would be because tesco surprisingly has voiced to customers about "how we care about staff and customer safety" 😂, it is weird though it's the only thing they've ever done safety wise... Can't even fix anything else safety wise 😂
Quote from: expresscoop on 16-04-22, 01:08PM
Im amazed that tesco are doing this when my current employer are now considering covid nothing more than a cold and insist on staff coming to work with covid.
Thats because it is just a cold now, there might be the unlucky olymipic gymnast or long distance runner that still gets it bad but its time to move on and stop everyone skiving off at any oportunity.
I wouldn't say it's just a cold, that's a poor outlook on it, it's just poorly managed, going off what nhs would say is government are useless and not protecting them or anyone else... Covid stopped the world for a while, what's going to happen on the next if this one is taken so lightly? 🤔, we don't understand the implications it brings for contracting it atm longterm, so who knows where people will stand or if they will be still standing in a few years..
can any one help please i need the absences phone number, to report my covid test
the back of your clock in card.
Or your stores normal phone number.
Do i need to go off with a positive corona result?
@preacher nope,its treated like a cold/flu now,so normal absence policy applies,
What is the policy now i tested positive today and am actually feeling ill but can't find Tesco actual policies anywhere there are replies from Tesco on twitter saying we advice our staff to stay at home while positive but there doesn't seem to be anything official
We were told it is now classed as normal sick so you don't get paid for the first 3days. If you don't feel ill you are supposed to go to work
Thanks, that's not right I was never off during whole pandemic and now I'll lose money as other staff have been coming into work with it, I deliver so I will not go in with it due to vulnerable customers.
Quote from: Sambuca999 on 30-06-22, 05:36PMWhat is the policy now i tested positive today and am actually feeling ill but can't find Tesco actual policies anywhere there are replies from Tesco on twitter saying we advice our staff to stay at home while positive but there doesn't seem to be anything official
Policy is that you arent required to isolate by law, but tesco are following the health and safety at work act and NHS advice, meaning that you should isolate at home for 5 days and NOT be in work for 5 DAYS from testing positive (first day the day after testing positive), normal sickness absence policy applies so you wont get paid for first 3 days unless you've been with company for a LONG LONG time.
So in short, isolate until either you are negative, or 5 days have passed.. if they tell you anything different, even union will tell them to shove it.
We've currently got 3 people working with covid... How long before more of us catch it?
Your manager should be sending them home under the Health and Safety act at work. Its in Tesco's policy for covid.
Quote from: StinkyPoo on 01-07-22, 08:35PMWe've currently got 3 people working with covid... How long before more of us catch it?
Team work >:D
It's a difficult one. Policy is that you should not come into work with an infectious condition but it's not paid from day one now and just normal sick pay. Most people who have tested positive for us have also been Ill with symptoms so have not been fit to be in work.
Quote from: fscer on 01-07-22, 11:36PMYour manager should be sending them home under the Health and Safety act at work. Its in Tesco's policy for covid.
So if your manager sends you home, do you get paid?
It always used to be the written rule...if you're sent home by a manager you get paid!
Chances are they've eroded this agreement along with everything else over the years, worth checking with your Tesco helpline number...it's the union, who should be able to tell you the latest ruling
Quote from: grim up north on 04-07-22, 09:18AMQuote from: fscer on 01-07-22, 11:36PMYour manager should be sending them home under the Health and Safety act at work. Its in Tesco's policy for covid.
So if your manager sends you home, do you get paid?
Sickness policy is that if you can't complete your shift due to illness then you get paid for the whole shift (subject to having enough remaining sick pay entitlement if on work & pay). If less than half of the shift is completed then it gets included in your absence percentage, over half a shift completed and it shouldn't be included. Section 7 of the absence policy.
My question about "people testing positive" would be:
Given the tests are no longer free - how is this happening? Do people still have a stockpile of old tests that they are working their way through? Do they still qualify for free tests (vulnerable people etc.)? Or are people who work for Tesco earning virtually minimum wage actually paying for test kits?
To be honest - and this isn't meant to sound selfish - why would I want to pay (even if it is only £2 - or about 20 mins pay after tax/NI) just to prove or disprove whether I have a cold/flu or Covid.
So in my mind, I would only be thinking Covid if I had been ill for a long period (14+ days) - and only then might I try to source a test kit and test myself.
Other than that - where are we in terms of treatment for Covid - I thought the general advice was to treat it like a cold/flu and just take some paracetamol or similar?
My question is if you are off sick with positive covid whether paid or not does it count as period of absence for percentage purposes and therefore being over percentage rate would a ARM meeting take place? and can it be used against you?
I'm fairly certain that since the advice/policy changed a few weeks ago, any current/future Covid related absence is just normal absence and does count towards your % and could lead to an ARM.
policy did change as of 27th and 30th April, the Q&A is still relevant, (see help section) and yes it follows normal sickness absence review, meaning you can be brought in for it for your %
NO Colleagues are ALLOWED to work while positive, Colleagues who are POSITIVE are to be treated in line with the Back to Work procedure which is
"16. Should we be allowing a colleague to return to work where we know they are infectious?
As an employer we have a duty of care under the Health & Safety At Work Act to ensure the health and safety and welfare of our employees so far as it is reasonably practicable. Our colleagues also have duties to each other under that act to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and to other colleagues who may be affected by their acts, and to cooperate with their employer to ensure that those duties are complied with.
We are now explicitly calling out on our return-to-work form declaration that a colleague who has an infectious disease means that they are not fit for work, and we expect colleagues to be truthful about this. If we believe that a colleague has infectious condition the manager is within their rights to instruct a colleague not to attend the workplace until they are well enough and no longer pose a risk to the safety of others. "
So you wont get paid from day 1 unless youve been here for a long time, you'll face the 3 day waiting period, but better to be off and not infect others to be honest.
So basically you are not allowed to go into work if you have positive covid but can be disciplined for being off. How does that work? Surely you could claim mitigating circumstances if they want to use percentage rules?
Yep, you aren't allowed to work, but don't need to isolate (but should), and you can be disciplined for being off, that's Tesco in a nutshell.
This still goes back to my "initial" (well a couple of days ago) query over "you only know you're positive if you take a test" - and unless you have a stash of tests saved up, you have to pay to take a test?
In terms of "colleagues looking after themselves and others" (or words to that effect in the updated policy) - in reality how does one read this - we hear that the recent spike in infections has been (in part) attributed to Glastonbury (and other such events) - therefore, surely by attending these events, a member of staff has not "looked after themselves"?
This all comes down to how one thinks of Covid - if the official Govt advice (let's not get political - but by the time I post this message we might not have a Govt) is that Covid should be treated like a cold/flu - then that's how we should be - if one has a cold/flu or any other bacterial/viral infection - then they are "infectious" and should stay away from the workplace (this applies to all workplaces - not just Tesco) - but pre-Covid, we know that this did not happen - people would go into work and dose up on tablets etc. - obviously employers who don't pay sick pay from day 1 "encourage" this to happen - and clearly now in the current cost of living crisis, I cannot believe that anyone (if money was tight - and for the most part if people are working for Tesco on not much about NLW - then money probably is tight) would voluntarily stay home and not earn anything for their first three contracted days (which in reality might stretch to 6 or 7 days) UNLESS they did actually feel really ill.
Of course, if people get the flu, then they can also feel really ill.
I'm rambling a bit (again) but hope you get the drift.
PS: I know some people might reply stating that as a "good citizen" you shouldn't be spreading it - but by the same argument, you should be continuing to avoid all social contact (events/gigs/festivals/busy pubs/restaurants/public transport) in the first place.
I thought I posted a responses to yours but it seems it didn't post
I mainly said about that for me personally I was off recently with covid, I had only been out to work for the very few days that I work, and when calling was told "we have X amount of people in with it already, it's fine to work", said screw that it says to stay off in policies and I'd return when I'm negative.
So for me it's likely that I got it from work being that I nor family had been out, we tend to be quite couped up with movies and games and stockpile stuff, so to blame it on Glastonbury is a bit obsurd etc, since the infection rate was 1 in 20 before that and at current is 1 in 30.
in my case if i felt ill i'd stay off. if i felt ok i'd go in
You are lucky to even have a job Tesco Renfield street is now closed for good. Shrink was too high. More stores to follow with the increasing costs of basic essentials. Nightshift cuts soon too follow.
Quote from: lackofinterest on 07-07-22, 10:36PMin my case if i felt ill i'd stay off. if i felt ok i'd go in
So you'd happily go to work knowing you could spread it and potentially kill someone?
I get it, the vaccines are working, the flu kills people and we can't go on forever living in a bubble, blah, blah, blah, etc, but we got into this prolonged mess because of most of the country behaving with this attitude.
"I don't feel sick", "I'm not wearing a mask", "I had it, it was only a cold".
Still winds me up!!!
I knew multiple people who died with it, some with no underlying health issues, fit as a fiddle.
Sorry for the rant.
Great first post ???
If I didn't feel ill I wouldn't know I had it would I ? or do you expect me to have a test every day in case one day it's positive ?
Please do not quote immediately prior post(s). VLH Administrator.
Your comment comes across as if you knew you had Covid.
If you were ill you'd be off, if no symptoms you'd go in anyway.
My apologies for the confusion, but unfortunately more than half the people in the warehouse I work in have that attitude.
This does seem to be a subject that can easily lead to disagreements and vastly differing points of view. And now that we are told there is a "spike" in infections again (and yes the news does state that there were many positive tests from people that went to Glastonbury) some people are getting worried again (each person is entitled to their view and people like unhappychappy will know people who have died as a result of it - so yes it still does have bad consequences).
However, it is down to individuals now to act in the best way that suits them - however, the state will no longer be paying you to make that choice. So if you want to stay off work - that's fine - you just won't get sick pay. If you want to avoid going out where you're likely to encounter large crowds, then stay in - and with this scenario, it's likely it will actually save you some money. If you want to wear a mask when you work, or when you are on a bus or when you are walking down the street, then do so. But just as people shouldn't castigate you for wearing a mask - equally people that choose to wear a mask no longer have a "right" to complain about people not wearing masks, or not maintaining distance (albeit invading someone's personal space with no good reason is and always has been wrong).
Should people come to work if they have symptoms of Covid? Well - that's the question - people are "advised to take a test" - but if they have to pay for it, they might choose not to take a test - or equally, they could just go to work (assuming their symptoms are not too bad) - and if colleagues/managers say anything, simply say - I've taken tests, they're all negative - it's "just" a cold/flu.
I'm not trying to play it down - I'm just saying it as I see it - this is how things are.
:thumbup:
:thumbup:
For years pre-covid some people would struggle into work with a cold/flu and do their best to deliver whilst others would willingly pick up the phone and take a week off sick to recover.
The situation with covid is now largely the same.
Firstly with the cost of living crisis many can't even afford to test & legally there is no requirement to do so. Secondly very few people are now being hospitalised or dying from covid. The possibility of passing it on to a colleague/customer and making them extremely unwell is in the vast majority of cases very unlikely. Finally many only have mild symptoms and don't want to take time off unpaid.
I fully understand everyone is entitled to their views but mine are we can't carry on hiding away from a risk that is now for most of us minimal. Every action in life carries a risk, however how many never drive, fly, do sports etc due to the slim chance you may die as a result.
Sorry off topic not sure what to do if a manager is fiddling payroll, colleague getting paid overtime and not doing overtime and colleague sick and manually clocking them in. There is a lot of favouritism going on which colleagues see and other colleagues process is followed, any advice.
Advice Tinks? I'd be very careful what I put into print on a public forum.
If your stores like mine,cctv everywhere,it proves who is in and who is not,protector line is a confidential hotline,if your in a big store,and that manager not involved in forum,put an anonymous concern in forum box,let the cat amongest the pigeons
Quote from: Tinkerbell1234 on 10-07-22, 11:58AMSorry off topic not sure what to do if a manager is fiddling payroll, colleague getting paid overtime and not doing overtime and colleague sick and manually clocking them in. There is a lot of favouritism going on which colleagues see and other colleagues process is followed, any advice.
If this is fact it will soon be found out. The stores are running light on all Depts and shifts need to be filled. I fail to see how any dept can afford to do this. After hearing rumours that do go round in stores I do question it. I have seen a sacking over one colleague clocking another out after they left 15 mins early, if this is fact the manager concerned will be lucky to keep their.
We had someone come in with covid not so long ago and ended up going off sick a day after but not before passing it around and taking a few members off with them for a week. Tesco policy makes people come in because they need to be paid especially in these times with cost of living but this one person caused others to lose money.
How is that right or fair.
Tesco don't make you come in with anything contagious, you're supposed to stay off. You wouldn't come to work with Ebola.
It doesn't make them come in, you just don't get paid, it's people's choice to go in and infect others... policy clearly states that colleagues are not allowed to work with Covid due to work and safety guidelines to protect colleagues and customers...
contagious disease (e.g Coronavirus) means NOT FIT FOR WORK according to the back to work forms.
Next month we'll see Tesco fall far behind, along with the other supermarkets on the real living wage again, the difference is though that the other supermarkets will match it again at least before March next year, Tesco likes to drag it out for another 3/4 months before matching the competitors.
Quote from: oldfashionedplayer on 24-08-22, 04:40PMIt doesn't make them come in, you just don't get paid, it's people's choice to go in and infect others... policy clearly states that colleagues are not allowed to work with Covid due to work and safety guidelines to protect colleagues and customers...
contagious disease (e.g Coronavirus) means NOT FIT FOR WORK according to the back to work forms.
It's people's choice to go to work with an infectious disease or to go hungry and have bailiffs knocking at the door...
They have a choice to take a test or not though, pre Covid you'd go to work with flu or a cold, now if a manager tells you to come in knowing you have Covid, then they should be disciplined.
Testing is not required now. Test kits are available to buy but we can't force people to buy kits, to then test and then make them go through unpaid sick. It's now a matter of if you are fit to work. If not well and unable to come to work you should stay home. There is a comment asking if you have an infectious illness but is on the return to work form.
Nobody should be coming to work if they are not well enough to work. Likewise, it would be nice if people did not spread things round the store but when you are not paying someone you can't send them home unless they are unfit to work.
If you read the policy,if its infectious you stay home till its negative,no bs about fit to work,
There is nothing about negative and positive results now. There is nothing about Covid. It does mention infectious conditions and states that it's best not to bring into work but as most don't get paid for first three days the wording is guarded.
If you have Covid 19 symptoms or you test positive you should not attend the workplace. You should follow the relevant health guidance for your nation in terms of isolation.
In most cases the UK nations' health authorities are recommending that you isolate for five days (you should also avoid contact with those that you know are at higher risk for ten days), in Wales they recommend that after day five you take an LFD test to confirm that you are symptom free before returning to work. In Scotland it is recommended that you stay at home until you no longer have a temperature, or you feel better
Thats tesco policy,not ignore it because you dont get paid for first 3 days,
Quote from: Redshoes on 25-08-22, 07:44AMTesting is not required now. Test kits are available to buy but we can't force people to buy kits, to then test and then make them go through unpaid sick. It's now a matter of if you are fit to work. If not well and unable to come to work you should stay home. There is a comment asking if you have an infectious illness but is on the return to work form.
Nobody should be coming to work if they are not well enough to work. Likewise, it would be nice if people did not spread things round the store but when you are not paying someone you can't send them home unless they are unfit to work.
16. Should we be allowing a colleague to return to work where we know they are infectious? As an employer we have a duty of care under the Health & Safety At Work Act to ensure the health and safety and welfare of our employees so far as it is reasonably practicable. Our colleagues also have duties to each other under that act to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and to other colleagues who may be affected by their acts, and to cooperate with their employer to ensure that those duties are complied with. We are now explicitly calling out on our return-to-work form declaration that a colleague who has an infectious disease means that they are not fit for work, and we expect colleagues to be truthful about this. If we believe that a colleague has infectious condition the manager is within their rights to instruct a colleague not to attend the workplace until they are well enough and no longer pose a risk to the safety of others. Quite clear I would think to be honest..
Yes, that is clear but it does not mention Covid. It does not ask for testing so no talk of negative and positive results. Infectious means colds and flu etc at same level as Covid. There is no distinction.
Many, many people who were testing positive with Covid had no symptoms or were showing signs slight of symptoms after several days. We have had one colleague nearly die and was off a very long time and we have had one colleague very ill in the past few weeks. I don't dismiss Covid. I'm just saying it's no different to anything else now. It all goes by symptoms. If a colleague is not testing and shows no symptoms there is no way anyone would suspect they have Covid. As such it all comes down to being fit enough to attend work, just as I said.
it doesn't come down to "fit enough" - I get that they may not have symptoms..
but it clearly says on the "Coronavirus: Questions and Answers "Date updated: August 10, 2022 10:08" Returning to Work
You should now use our normal Sickness Absence Return to Work meeting form to confirm that a colleague is fit for work and does not have an infectious disease. There is no longer a separate COVID-19 Return to Work form.
Hence, covid is an infectious disease... Seriously I don't get how people think it isn't, if it spreads fast, it's infectious, Diarrhoea, Flu, Norovirus...
Its not about dismissing or not dismissing, its interpretation to keep people working that's causing more problems, I get that if a colleague has no symptoms they may still be contagious, and yes there isn't any requirement now to test by law, BUT if someone DOES have symptoms, or believes they may have come into contact with someone who has tested positive, then they SHOULD test and be more careful with others...
For those who HAVE had it, they DON'T want others getting it...
They should update the policy wording though, because if you DO ask with colleague help, they will tell you to isolate when positive and only return when you've "Tested Negative" or stay off if you believe you have symptoms until your over them (yes i do think the symptoms without testing will still be abused, but better safe than sorry in most cases to be honest)
From my and relatives experience, it was worse for me for a few months after testing negative than it was while positive.. I'm still slowly recovering, so I wouldn't wish it on anyone.. cause often other stuff doesn't long, but this one was a kicker.
We can't ask colleagues to buy tests so if they no longer have test kits from when they were free there is nothing we can do. There is no Covid pay now, it just normal sick pay so we simply can't ask them to buy tests and then tell them the normal sick pay policy kicks in.
A colleague got told they could come back to work after 48rs after testing positive for covid if they feel well enough and don't need a negative test. Says all you need to know about how seriously the higher ups take the policy on infectious diseases.
Lets be honest how many staff do you see with colds etc in the winter, coughing and sniffling, do they get sent home when they're clearly infectious? No, because they don't want people off.