Hi all,
I am 9 months in remission for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and obviously fall into the high risk category. Before covid became a pressing issue in the UK I handed my notice to my current role, as I have been offered a job at a general hospital.
I am currently self isolating due to the above, and my current workplace (a psychiatric hospital) have kindly agreed to pay me until my notice date which is the 24th April.
What do I do about my new role? I am obviously wanting to start my new role ASAP, but it is a big risk with it being a general hospital and having to get public transport to get there! I don’t want to contact my new manager and say that I need to self isolate for 12 weeks because what if they revoke my offer? Can they do that?
Hi @Hannah97, I don’t know this is a real employment problem, but it must be causing you a lot of anxiety and mixed emotions, perhaps the main thing is that you stay safe. Are you a member of a union? The Bloodwise support line, details above, might be able to point you in the right direction, charities like Consumer Advice, Macmillan etc might be able to help. I hope other can be of further assisitance. You have about 2 weeks to resolve this and please let us know how you are feeling and what is going on, you certainly have such valuable skills.
Hi @Hannah97. Firstly, congratulations on your new role!
It’s totally understandable you have questions and concerns around this, Hannah. We would really encourage people in the high risk category such as yourself, to follow government and NHS guidelines and shield for 12 weeks. This guidance around shielding is in place to minimise your chances of becoming infected by coronavirus and ensures you stay as safe as you can at this time. There’s more information around this on our website - https://bloodcancer.org.uk/support-for-you/coronavirus-covid-19/looking-after-yourself--staying-home-shielding/
You may find ACAS helpful with your questions around employment rights. They have published the following general advice - https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus but they also have a help line - https://www.acas.org.uk/contact.
I hope this has been helpful to you but if you need further clarity on any of the information, we are only ever a phone call or email away if you would like to talk anything through. Just as a reminder, our support line can be reached on 0808 2080 888 Monday-Friday 10am-7pm and on weekends between 10am-1pm or via support@bloodcancer.org.uk.
Also @Hannah97, as @Erica said above, Macmillan may also be able to offer some information around employment rights in relation to those shielding for 12 weeks, as they have an employment helpline where you can speak to work support specialists. There number is 0808 8080 000.