Going back to work - COVID-19

[Alicer461]

Hi everyone!

so my work has contacted and asked us to go back in 1 day a week.
However I am not comfortable as I am diabetic type 2, over weight and have asthma.
They have said it’s my decision but I don’t want to feel like I’m just trying to get out of going into work, it’s genuinely because I’m worried about my health rather than lazy.

Does anyone know what I could say/ explain as to why I don’t feel comfortable ?

TIA x

 

[Snoozy Lou]

I was in the same situation last week but I also have a really amazing and understanding employer. I was shielding due to a different condition.

Have they offered you a risk assessment? Is there any reasonable adaptations they could make, so you would feel safer? What have your company done to make the work place covid secure? You may be able to negotiate conditions that will make you feel safer.

I ended up continuing to work from home, but my work place was accessed as high risk. Social distancing would not be possible and I can do my work from home. I do some meetings outside now. We review things regularly.

 

[Stitch147]

What do you do for a job?
I've worked throughout the whole pandemic since mid march and I work is supermarket, so can't work from home at all. I'm diabetic and overweight. I'm happy with the risk assessment that's in place where I work and know that I can leave the shop floor if I want to if I feel it's too busy etc.

 

[Hardy]

I think your anxiety is understandable. However as long as your workplace is covid secure and you've had a risk asessment, it will probably be fine. I go into the office 2 days a week and have no anxiety about it now and I quite like it 🙂. We've one way system, use of loo's and kitchen sorted, and everyone spaced out with no hot desking. Plenty of wipes, gel etc;
I think it can be postitive, and your anxiety could be managed with support if needed.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Alicer461

Sorry to hear you are worried about going back to work

It is quite understandable given the overlapping conditions you are living with.

This page has information and links to what you can expect in the workplace as diabetes is covered by the Equality act... and also the arrangements regarding Covid19 and the adaptations and allowances workplaces should be putting in place to support people with diabetes

Work and diabetes

This information is about how to manage diabetes at work and to support you in knowing your rights at work. Jump to:

www.diabetes.org.uk