New member, could use some advice

[Jesketeer]

Hi guys!

I'm new here and signed up because I'm looking for some advice. I'm unsure of what to do about my job. I work as a Pupil Attendant, taking mainly SEN children to and from school.

The problem is there is no social distancing in the vehicles. The kids are a mix of senior and primary pupils, rendering the class bubbles useless and none of them wear masks. When I returned to work in September, my diabetic nurse told me not to return unless I was given full ppe. My nephrologist told me not to go back at all. No ppe appeared but I bought my own and went back.

Now we're back in lockdown but all my kids are still going to school. One of them absolutely refuses to cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze. I just don't know what to do. If I refuse to work, I'll lose my job, but is it worth the risk to my health?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

[zand]

Hi welcome

I am tagging @Robinredbreast and @Max68 who may be able to help.

 

[Circuspony]

You need to ask for a risk assessment taking into account your T1D. Your employer needs to make 'reasonable adjustments' for you (that could involve work other than travelling in vehicles for imstance)

The diabetes charities and ACAS have been really helpful giving out advice for people to discuss with their employers. I think bosses listen more when you start the discussion with 'i spoke to ACAS'.....

 

[Robinredbreast]

Hi guys!

I'm new here and signed up because I'm looking for some advice. I'm unsure of what to do about my job. I work as a Pupil Attendant, taking mainly SEN children to and from school.

The problem is there is no social distancing in the vehicles. The kids are a mix of senior and primary pupils, rendering the class bubbles useless and none of them wear masks. When I returned to work in September, my diabetic nurse told me not to return unless I was given full ppe. My nephrologist told me not to go back at all. No ppe appeared but I bought my own and went back.

Now we're back in lockdown but all my kids are still going to school. One of them absolutely refuses to cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze. I just don't know what to do. If I refuse to work, I'll lose my job, but is it worth the risk to my health?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks @zand , Hello and welcome. I will get back to you, I am making calls regarding this,

 

[Robinredbreast]

Hi guys!

I'm new here and signed up because I'm looking for some advice. I'm unsure of what to do about my job. I work as a Pupil Attendant, taking mainly SEN children to and from school.

The problem is there is no social distancing in the vehicles. The kids are a mix of senior and primary pupils, rendering the class bubbles useless and none of them wear masks. When I returned to work in September, my diabetic nurse told me not to return unless I was given full ppe. My nephrologist told me not to go back at all. No ppe appeared but I bought my own and went back.

Now we're back in lockdown but all my kids are still going to school. One of them absolutely refuses to cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze. I just don't know what to do. If I refuse to work, I'll lose my job, but is it worth the risk to my health?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

I do the same job, School Escort. I have been in touch with my County councils transport team, ACAS and my surgery. I have been advised to fill out an online Econsult form asking for advice, a shielding letter, which I have now done and a GP will get back to me by Friday 8th January.
I sit in between 2 children with 2 are opposite me, there is no distancing and one often has a nose bleed and sneezes a lot.
I did get PPE through the post,I had to ask, 6 pairs of gloves, a small bottle of hand gel and a visor which was fit for nothing, so flimsy and rough around the edges, it was in a shocking state.
I might have a battle on my hands, but I sincerely I hope not, as my health comes first and I don't want to compromise it.
Type 1, 32 years.

 

[Max68]

Echo all the above and you have my sympathies. Requesting an Individual Risk Assessment is a must and also contact your Union if you have one. Not sure if you were on the shielded list but another chat with your GP may be helpful. Unions were hamstrung a bit pre latest lockdown but with the new restrictions things might have changed.

Also take a look here. Bit of a minefield but it may give some information -

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home

 

[Jesketeer]

Thank you all so much for your help! It's nice to know I have somewhere to turn when my boss isn't playing ball. @Robinredbreast it's nice to meet a fellow escort!

I have thankfully now been informed that all my kids except one will be learning from home. Just my luck it's the one who coughs! But he'll only be going two days a week. It's still more contact than I'd like but it gives me a bit of time to get in touch with my diabetic nurse and GP.

 

[Robinredbreast]

Thank you all so much for your help! It's nice to know I have somewhere to turn when my boss isn't playing ball. @Robinredbreast it's nice to meet a fellow escort!

I have thankfully now been informed that all my kids except one will be learning from home. Just my luck it's the one who coughs! But he'll only be going two days a week. It's still more contact than I'd like but it gives me a bit of time to get in touch with my diabetic nurse and GP.

Because this strain is so rampant now 1 in 50 are getting Covid, I have told my team leaders that i won't be working and my reasons why and I haven't heard anything from the regions leader................ yet.
We now have over 77, 000 cases of Covid. My route is still going.
Good luck with your diabetes nurse and keep safe.