Employer Work-From-Home / Covid Troubles

[baileywin]

Having some trouble with my employer and would like some opinions.

I have an office job - when lockdown first started my employer were reluctant to let people work from home, but no-one wanted to stay in the office so their hand was forced.

Some people have trickled back into the office for personal reasons, but as a company have been pushing to get people "back" in the office for nearly two months (i.e. at the peak), and this pressure has been ramping up & up.

No-one has been furloughed and I don't think there's been any real issues with productivity - roughly half the employees work from home full time anyway.
The business has not "closed" during this period.

My understanding is that at the moment, the advice is "work from home, unless you cannot"
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-... - section 2

I feel that I'm being put in a difficult situation where I'm being forced to break the government guidelines - not that I'm even being presented with a choice.
I'm also expected to exert this pressure on others which I'm even less comfortable with.

[baileywin]

MOBB said:

Boris is now saying go back to work if you can, so I think you are going to struggle to convince your employer even more now

My understanding of "go back to work" is for those who haven't been working (e.g. furlough).

The guidance on the government website (I think) is clear. Although what is also clear is that other opinions are that it's just guidance...

[baileywin]

TwistingMyMelon said:

Get back to work or find a job that suits your lifestyle choice

As an employer this attitude is driving me nuts

I'm sorry that following the government guidelines upsets you so much.

I'm sure following all that Health & Safety compliance drives you nuts, too. And employment law.