Coronavirus Symptoms Policy

As we come into the autumn/winter months colleagues will start to naturally display cold and flu like symptoms which have very similar symptoms to that of the coronavirus, for example a high temperature or a new, continuous cough. Therefore, it is important that any colleague who displays any symptoms of the coronavirus needs to self-isolate and arrange for a test to be completed immediately, so that we are able to limit the potential spread of the infection to our colleagues, members and customers as well as minimise any absence from the Society.

 Key points covered

• Coronavirus symptoms
• Arranging a test
• Track and Trace
• Test results
• FAQ's

1. A colleague has started to cough frequently but believes this is just down to a cold and feels fine to attend work?

Regardless of whether a colleague feels fit to work or not, if they are displaying any of the specific symptoms of coronavirus, they must self-isolate immediately. If the symptoms have developed whilst at work the colleague needs to make their manager aware immediately, wear their face covering in all areas and try to remain at least 2 metres away from other colleagues and customers and go home to self-isolate.  

If a colleague’s symptoms do not meet the threshold of the coronavirus symptoms they will not be required to self-isolate or arrange for a test. 

If a colleague is unsure as to whether they need to self-isolate or not based on their symptoms then they should use the following link - https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/.   

 

 2. A colleague is refusing to arrange a test? 

All colleagues play a vital part in trying to control the virus and arranging a test is in line with government guidance. If a colleague refuses to arrange a test it will be seen as refusing a reasonable management request and their continued absence from the Society will be treated as unpaid leave. 

 

3. A colleague has tested negative for coronavirus but feels unfit to attend work? 

The colleague can self-certify their absence for 7 calendar days and then will require a fit note for the full duration of their absence. Please note that this spell of absence will be included in the Society’s absence trigger points.   

 

 4. A colleague has tested negative for coronavirus and has returned to the workplace but is continually coughing, should they still be in work? 

As long as the colleague has provided evidence that they have received a negative test result and they feel fit to work then they are fine to be in the workplace. Colleagues will be expected to take additional measures to prevent the spread of whatever illness they have which is causing the symptoms. This includes wearing a face covering in both customer and non-customer facing environments, increased hand washing, using hand sanitizer regularly where available and ensuring social distancing is always maintained.  

If for any reason you have operational concerns about having the colleague in a customer facing environment, then you should look for alternative duties which could be carried out away from customers. If you still have concerns, please contact your District or Area Manager to seek advice.

 

5. A colleague has refused to provide any evidence of arranging a test and/or their test results? 

If a colleague chooses not to provide us with any evidence of their test results, then we will insist they remain off for the full 10-day self-isolation period and this will be treated as unpaid absence unless the colleague provides the evidence requested.

 

6. When does the 10-day self-isolation period end? 

The self-isolation period begins on the first day that the colleague started to display symptoms, so it will be a further nine days from the date the symptoms began. The colleague will be able to return to work on the eleventh day.

 

7. A colleague has tested positive for the coronavirus, has completed their 10-day self-isolation period but continues to display coronavirus symptoms, can they still return to work? 

If a colleague still has a high temperature at the end of the 10-day self-isolation period they will need to remain in isolation until the symptom has gone. It is usual for the cough or temporary loss of taste and smell to remain for a short period beyond the 10 days however if the colleague is fit to return then they are able to do so.

   

8. A colleague is stating that they need to self-isolate but has already done so previously and the test was negative? 

If a colleague has been symptom free since their last test and has now developed new symptoms, then they will be required to self-isolate again and undertake a further test. 

 

9. A colleague is asking whether they need to self-isolate because another colleague they have been working with is required to self-isolate due to having symptoms? 

There is no need for a colleague to self-isolate in this instance unless a colleague is contacted via the governments Track and Trace service and the colleague is advised to self-isolate or they develop symptoms themselves.

 

10. How will the self-isolation period be logged in Kronos and will this be paid as sickness?  

For the period of time that it takes a colleague to get tested and receive the results the colleague should be logged as sick. If a colleague receives a positive test result, then they will need to remain off work for the period of the self-isolation period and will continue to be logged as sick.  

 

11. Will a colleague’s self-isolation period be included in the Managing Attendance trigger points? 

No, the self-isolation period will be excluded from the absence trigger points

 

12. Will the three-day waiting rule (Retail only) for Company Sick pay apply if I need to self-isolate?

Our experience suggests that colleagues will be able to get tested and receive their test results within 48 hours, if not quicker if arranged through a drive through test site. Therefore, the Society will be prepared to pay the first two days of sickness as Company Sick Pay if applicable. If a colleague receives a positive test result, then the remainder of the self-isolation period will be paid as sick. If the colleague receives a negative test result and remains unfit to attend work, then the third day of absence will be unpaid in line with the three-day waiting rule and SSP or Company Sick Pay taking effect again on the fourth day of absence. 

 

13. A colleague is required to self-isolate and is able to complete work from home? 

If the colleague is fit and able to work from home then this will be permitted, however the colleague will still be required to arrange a test immediately. If the colleague receives a negative test result, they will discuss this with their line manager and agree arrangements for returning back to their work location.