Advice Please

[Viv-1]

Hi All,

I’m a 52 yr female who was diagnosed with type 2 approx 5 yrs ago, controlled by diet and lifestyle. I take the flu jab each year and have also received pneumonia jab.

I am full time administrator working for local government work office through an employment agency ie I only get paid for the hours I work and if off sick then it’s SSP.

I was looking for advice as the Government guidelines say that if you have diabetes or received a flu jab then you should ‘self isolate’ for 12 weeks. I feel well and as I control my diabetes by diet and lifestyle can I request from my employer to work from home? I know that they are very reluctant to do this! I really cannot afford to take 3 months+ of work on SSP.

Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

Thank you

 

[SB2015]

The government advice is referred to in the Diabetes UK statement

Coronavirus and diabetes updates

All the coronavirus information below applies to the whole of the UK, unless specified. We've noted where are some differences in guidance and diabetes services across the UK.

www.diabetes.org.uk

At present there is no requirement to self isolate, we just need to ‘socially distance’ the same as the rest of the population. We are no more likely to catch the virus as a person with Diabetes it will just make BG a bit more difficult to manage.

 

[CathyB]

Hi Viv, have you spoken to your HR dept about working from home? Might be worth a conversation to explore options?

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I was looking for advice as the Government guidelines say that if you have diabetes or received a flu jab then you should ‘self isolate’ for 12 weeks.

Im not sure where you read that, as there have been a few confusing news articles, but the official advice has been being kept up to date on the .gov website here:

[Withdrawn] [Withdrawn] Guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK

www.gov.uk

(last updated today)

People with diabetes are not advised to fully isolate, but to be ‘particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.’

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

What is social distancing?
Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

They are to:

1. Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough
2. Avoid non-essential use of public transport when possible
3. Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information
4. Avoid large and small gatherings in public spaces, noting that pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and similar venues are currently shut as infections spread easily in closed spaces where people gather together.
5. Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
6. Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services

Everyone should be trying to follow these measures as much as is practicable.

We strongly advise you to follow the above measures as much as you can and to significantly limit your face-to-face interaction with friends and family if possible, particularly if you:

• are over 70
• have an underlying health condition
• are pregnant

This advice is likely to be in place for some weeks.

 

[Viv-1]

Hi Viv, have you spoken to your HR dept about working from home? Might be worth a conversation to explore options?

Thanks for reply. Our dept within the local authority council has been classed as a 'front line service' even though we do not have face-to-face contact and this week is why they are very reluctant to home working. I will try and contact my agency against n today but they previously said just follow guidelines issued at place of work - aaarg!!

 

[Toucan]

Hello @Viv-1
Perhaps after last nights announcement , your agency and the local authority will be more inclined to consider letting you work from home, to be compliant with the 'stay at home' instructions.
I hope you have some success with this.

 

[Tee G]

Hi @Viv-1 I can see your frustration, you want someone here to tell you what to do - but we cant.

It has to be your decision. Given that you are performing an important function, not in contact with general public. But you do have ability to work from home, albeit your employer is not keen on this idea. I feel you need to have another chat with them, see what can be done. Good luck. Stay safe.