UNISON has urged members in Lanarkshire to beware of employers trying to force them back to work when they should be self-isolating.
The public services union spoke out following the Scottish Government’s new rules for key workers to return in exceptional circumstances only.
Stephen Smellie, secretary of South Lanarkshire branch of UNISON and depute convenor of UNISON Scotland, voiced concern that some managers could misinterpret the rules making workers who have been identified as close contacts of people who have tested positive come to work - even though they should be self-isolating in line with public health advice.
Last month the Scottish Government issued new guidance to permit certain key workers to attend during their self-isolation period.
However, it only applies in limited special circumstances.
Stephen said said: “Members should be made aware that the employer has to meet certain criteria before even asking a worker to attend work during their self-isolation period.
“Members should also be clear that it is entirely voluntary and they are not compelled to work if they have been required to self-isolate in line with public health guidance.”
The workers must have received their two vaccines and tested negative. But the employer also has to apply for the appropriate permission before it can ask workers self-isolating to attend work, and even then it must only be as a “last resort staffing contingency measure”.
In addition, a full risk assessment must be carried out and those working during their period of self-isolation should not work with high-risk individuals such as those whose immune systems are compromised.
Anyone self-isolating due to someone in their home having tested positive for COVID will not be able to work and for those who do volunteer, they require to test daily throughout the self-isolation period.
Mr Smellie added: “We are concerned that our members may feel that they have to go to work even though they have been told to self-isolate, despite the rules stating it is entirely voluntary.
“We just want members to be absolutely clear that the exception only applies in very limited circumstances and employees can refuse without fear of repercussions.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have been supporting members in often very difficult circumstances and in some cases they haven’t been aware of their rights.
“A number of workers in social care for example were unaware that they were entitled to full pay when they had to self-isolate and feared they would lose pay if they tested positive or were identified as a contact.
“The Scottish Government’s Social Care Support Fund was set up so they would not lose out financially but many workers didn’t know this and it was only through UNISON’s intervention they were able to get their full pay.
“Workers in social care are still entitled to full pay if they have to self-isolate in line with public health guidance and they should not be made to feel compelled to attend work for fear of losing pay if they don’t go to work during the self-isolation period.
“Responsible employers will ensure their workers are properly paid and will not apply pressure on them to attend work when they are self-isolating. We want to know if any employers are not acting responsibly and we will take appropriate action.”
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