Hi everyone so the chief medical officer announced today that shielding is extending until August 16th and new letters will arrive. I’m just wondering what the rules are around employers with all this going on, will my job be safe I got to be honest I’m not sure if Wales are just being very cautious but I was not expecting it to be extended especially after they announced you can now go out for exercise and to see 1 family member.
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Hi @HCL, I cannot answer your very valid question, it is all so confusing. Hopefully the next couple of days will give you all in Wales more clarity. If not the wonderful Blood Cancer UK Support Services Team on 0808 2080 888 (10am-7pm Monday-Friday or via email at support@bloodcancer.org.uk might be able to help you further. Hang in there and let us know how you get on.
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@HCL I hope you are okay? It does sound like you have a lot going on for you, but such a positive thing that you have reached out for support.
As you say, the guidelines from the Welsh government in relation to shielding have been updated, which can find out more about here: https://gov.wales/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-people-defined-on-medical-grounds-as-extremely-vulnerable-from-coronavirus-covid-19-html
@HCL your concerns about your work are so understandable, just so that we can support you further, do you mind if we could have a bit more information- are you currently on furlough? of course, please do feel free to contact our support line if you’d prefer to talk this through more privately. @Erica thank you so much for including our details and for being so supportive as always 
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Hi I am also concerned about the extension of the shielding, what I am most worried about is how I am going to be able to safely return to my job as I am a health care worker in an acute nhs hospital. I worked for the 1st 7weeks of shielding but in a non patient contact role however that is not my job as I normally work in a busy outpatient department. If it isn’t going to be safe for me to go back to my role I’m worried that my job won’t be safe. I have CLL but its coming up to 4 years since I had chemo and am back on the watch and wait now. My last 3 blood counts have been really good so I feel I would be able to work with precautions. The shielding is taking its toll on my mental health and the uncertainty about normal life resuming is very worrying. Does anyone else feel this way
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Hi Maria, I cannot answer your work concerns I am afraid. However several on us on this forum have experienced emotional up’s and down’s and seemed to go through a low a couple of weeks back. Also I think the uncertainties at the moment and just the length of time we have been having been isolating takes it’s toll. I you need to talk you can contact the wonderful Blood Cancer UK Support Services Team on 0808 2080 888 (10am-7pm Monday-Friday or via email at support@bloodcancer.org.uk. We will support each other through this. Take care and let us know how you get on.
Hi @Maria.G63
We hope you are doing okay and we are so sorry for the impact this has had on you mentally, this is so understandable.
Those at high risk from COVID-19 and are staying at home (shielding) for a minimum of 12 weeks are eligible to be furloughed by their employer to minimise the financial impact on them. There have been changes to the Job Retention “Furlough” Scheme, and the deadline for employees who haven’t yet been put on furlough to go on furlough is Wednesday 10th June. If someone has not been placed on furlough by 10th June, they will not be able to go on furlough. If you need to ask about being placed on furlough – do this as soon as possible. You can find more details here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme
Maria, you may find it useful to read through our updated webpage on work and money worries here: https://bloodcancer.org.uk/support-for-you/coronavirus-covid-19/looking-after-yourself-staying-home-shielding/work-and-money-worries/ This page includes information about where to go for advice and support if coronavirus has affected your work or income. We have also included some key things to know about work and money. This includes information about working from home, the Job Retention Scheme, Statutory Sick Pay, Universal Credit and many other topics. Our webpage has been updated based on the most recent advice from the government, and is continuously being updated.
You may also want to contact ACAS, an employment specialist organisation, if you have any further concerns around managing employment at this time: https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus
I hope this has been helpful to you Maria? It’s so understandable to be feeling concerned about the coronavirus. 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 you can also reach us via support@bloodcancer.org.uk
Take care of yourself and very best wishes from us all
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