"Chris Askew, chief executive of Diabetes UK and a signatory of the letter, said: "No-one should be faced with the impossible task of choosing between their health, by returning to work in an unsafe environment, and their financial security.
"The government must ensure that employers are supported to take all the necessary measures to keep all employees safe, if they are expected to attend work outside their home.
He added that the government should introduce a new support scheme for clinically vulnerable people who are unable to return to a safe work environment.
Employers have been told to make sure that people who are shielding can work from home wherever possible, including moving them to another role if required, according to government guidance.
If bosses cannot provide a safe working environment, those who are clinically vulnerable will be able to access financial support including statutory sick pay and welfare payments, it has said.
The charities' letter also suggests extending the furlough scheme for those who have been shielding or are at high-risk.
Currently, the UK's coronavirus furlough scheme is set to finish at the end of October"
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53602276