Hi
I have been shielding for 14 weeks now and just received another letter stating I need to continue shielding till 31.7.2020, this is the new guidelines. I do work part time but obviously haven’t since end of March. I’m worried what they will say at work because I have been asked to continue shielding. Can they make me go back to work? I still want to keep safe and do what’s best for me. I’m feeling quite anxious about all this
Look forward to a reply
I’ve been shielding since 17th March, I’ve not received the “shielding” letter at all, it was my companies decision to send me home for this length of time.
In total they’ve furloughed 11 employees, paying us 80% of our pay, we’ve all explained that none of us have received the shielding letter.
We all have different illnesses that might make us vulnerable, I’m the only one with MS, but none of us are in the high risk group.
I have SPMS so I’m not on any DMD’s.
I’ve constantly asked if I can return to work but my company insist that I should be “shielded” due to my MS.
They keep using the phrases “keep shielding” or " as your in the shielding group" in all correspondence, even though I’ve told them numerous times I’m not in the shielded group and have not received a shielding letter.
Obviously some companies are using this furlough 80% wages thing to their benefit.
I’m surprised though that the government don’t ask to see proof of shielding for the employees who are still off when companies put their claim in for the wages.
In regards to your question, can they make you go back to work, I might be wrong but I dont think they can if you’ve received the shielding letter, but like I say I might be wrong.
Doesnt it say on the letter, pass it onto your employer ?
My sister also has MS and she has received a shielding letter because she’s on DMD’s, not sure which one, I’ve seen her letter and it says something like, “If you are employed pass this letter onto your employer urgently” , or something along them lines ?