Non Essential Workers - Travelling

If we are gradually to ease out of lockdown over the next few months then for commuters one of the greatest concerns is being forced into close proximity with other passengers whether or not face coverings are being worn or not.

I am a non essential worker and I am fully equipped to work from home which I do without diminution of the quality of my output. However, my employers are already making plans for a return to work which involves large open plan offices, shared toilets and kitchen facilities.

I also am awaiting treatment for skin cancer which rightly has been delayed by the pandemic. A return to my office with the heightened risk of contracting Covid-19 could further delay my treatment or inadvertently risk infecting others.

Can I therefore ask if a clear directive could be put in place whereby anyone awaiting a surgical procedure or ongoing hospital treatment cannot be forced to return to their place of work particularly when they have an ability to work from home. Also after treatment has been completed they should have a minimum 14 day home quarantine to run concurrently with any sick leave / recovery period.

Why the contribution is important

A directive whereby anyone awaiting hospital treatment must remain at home until treated would:

(a) reduce the risk of spreading the virus
(b) minimise the risk of essential appointments having to be cancelled due to patients contracting Covid-19
(c) reduce pressure on the NHS
(d) reduce commuter numbers on public transport systems.

by Ferg0077 on May 10, 2020 at 10:14AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 3.6
Based on: 3 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Cmnotzs May 10, 2020 at 10:55

    I agree you should be able to continue working from home if you safely can and it meets the organisations business need - regardless of your treatment. This is commensurate with a measured exit from Lockdown and protecting public transport and health service resources.

    Whilst I understand where you are coming from about shielding prior to treatment - what if that treatment cannot be delivered for months? Maybe a blanket approach needs modifying to a fixed shielding period prior to confirmed treatment starting?

  • Posted by Dave_H May 10, 2020 at 11:24

    In the longer term, the practice of mass commuting into large cities for work has to be address in favour of a more "work close to home" policy.

    Only when you work close to home do alternatives like cycling become viable. Nobody is going to cycle 20 or 30 miles into a city.

  • Posted by Ideas81 May 10, 2020 at 11:44

    People who can work from home should continue to do so. This will allow public transport to be prioritised for key workers and other workers who can’t work from home
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