So on Thursday, exactly 5 months after I last entered the building I went back to work. There are no students yet. They have measures in place. Sanitisers and masses of signage and procedures. Someone goofed on the signage and didn’t do sticky ones so I spent a big chunk of Thursday and Friday sticking things up with blue tack, but as we’re in a bad position financially we’re not allowed to buy anymore blue tack! Also the supply of masks for staff is limited and after that we have to buy our own. We’ve been told that we have to be understanding and sensitive towards students who don’t wear masks and we’re not allowed to challenge anybody not wearing a mask. We’ve socially distanced study spaces and made book browsing unavailable. Students now have to reserve books in advance and collect them at the entrance. Study spaces also have to be booked in advance and are limited to 4 hours maximum with two bootable slots a day and an hour in between to clean. I’m mostly reassured but I think some of it won’t work especially as we expect students to clean study spaces after use and are not providing cleanser. What does everyone else think? Anybody else gone back to work yet and how are you finding it?
@Franko, it sounds an ideal place to be without students. I wonder if most will wear masks, and if those that don’t will respect your space. It is all very well having signage, but young people might feel it a challenge to see how much they can get away with. I hope I am wrong. Let us know how you get on
I haven’t been at work since early December so am feeling a little anxious about returning in September, but am also keen to return to some kind of normality. Although I know school will be very different for the forseeable.
I’m having my risk assessment on Wednesday and back on the 2nd. Will keep you updated! PPE seems to be an ongoing challenge doesn’t it! I’m glad you feel reassured. Did it feel good to be back?
@Franko Thank you so much for starting this topic, we can only imagine this is likely to be a worry for many people and very relatable too. Hope you’re feeling well supported by your workplace Franko?
@SP7 @Nichola75 you make such important points! like you say, it can be especially daunting the thought of returning when it has been a while since you set foot in your place of work. Nichola, hope you’re alright? how are you feeling about your risk assessment?
We hope everyone is also okay with the commute to work itself, as we can appreciate this can bring just as much concern. Please do keep sharing your experiences and any worries you have 
Morning @SuBloodcancerUK. I think the challenge for me is going to be to put myself first. I have this big thing about letting people down so know I could quite easily say; it’s fine, I’ll be back in full time, I’m fine about it all, when actually I’m quite worried. I know I will be offered a phased return and I know the school will do all that it can. I’m going to take what they offer and not me a martyr or think that I’m being a pain and causing problems for people. I’ll let you know how I get on after my meeting on Wednesday x
@Nichola75 We’ll be thinking of you Nichola It’s so good to hear that the school are doing what they can to support you. Like you rightly say, it’s so important to put yourself first though easier said than done isn’t it! especially when you’re such a caring and supportive person like yourself, who always looks out for others. Take your time Nichola, and know you always have our support 
Thank you - that means a lot
Have been back in work 3 weeks. Work in a dementia unit have PPE to a degree. Unfortunately 2 members of staff have tested positive in the last week. Have a couple more shifts this week. Then have annual leave for 2 weeks. So will have to see if there is anymore cases before I decide to go back. Keep safe all.
Scary times @cazz. Have a brilliant 2 weeks off, have you any plans?
Make the most of your time off!
Hopefully going to Pembrokeshire second week. If there are no further lockdowns. Beautiful part of the UK.
@cazz, I love this country because it has so many different wonderful areas in such a small area. Pembrokeshire is certainly a beautiful part of the country, we await hearing all about your trip, enjoy.
Hoping the weather improves for you! Have a great time!
So, risk assessment completed. I’ve been identified as only moderate risk if everything is in place (social distancing etc) so that’s good.
We’ve agreed my hours next week; 2 days in and 2 working from home. My office has changed temporarily to avoid movement around the schools. All staff have been spilt into bubbles to minimise adult contact. PPE/sanitiser etc all in place. Duties have been temporarily revised as well to avoid contact with parents and teaching duties reduced. We will review my working hours each week and plan for the week ahead. All in all a good meeting. Don’t think I could have asked for more.
@Nichola75, yes, that sounds really as satisfactory as you can get practically in the circumstances. I am impressed. Please do let us know how it actually works next week.
Hi everyone. I had an appointment with my occupational health doctor and agreed to go back after shielding ended in Wales. However I spoke to my transplant team and my cns advised me not to go back due to my impaired immune system and the current pandemic. My occupational doctor has now advised my manager that I apply for early retirement pension. This is not what I wanted and I asked my manager to keep my job open for longer but he refused. Now currently waiting for forms to fill in etc
Hi @parkrunmark. I’m glad that your team have been supporting you. However, you must be very frustrated to be thrown into early retirement when its not what you wanted. Just an added stress on top of the already difficult times at the moment. What was their reason for not keeping your job open? How are you feeling?
Hi Nichola
In fairness to my work, I work for Public Health/ NHS they have been very supporting over the last two years since being diagnosed. I did go back to work for nearly 5 months before relapsing and needing a transplant.
I have been off since Feb 2019 and my manager just says he cannot keep my position open any longer.
Nicola I am feeling really well at the moment, had a few ups and downs last winter but started to feel almost normal again in April. Anxiously waiting for the results of my 15 month bone marrow biopsy