COVID-19: Latest Advice For Members

Here’s our latest advice on the questions we’re most commonly being asked. If you have any specific questions which are not covered, please contact the Advice Team on 01234 282868 (Choose Option 1).

 

 

To date, the Bank has not issued guidance to branch staff on conducting interviews with customers; staff have been expected to continue as normal. In light of the Government’s recommendations, the Bank needs to urgently review its procedures in the interests of both staff and customers. Common sense needs to be applied here – you should not be expected to sit in a room with a customer who is coughing for two hours. If you’re asked to see a customer who is displaying obvious symptoms of COVID-19, you should not proceed with the interview and should speak to your manager in the first instance. If your manager insists that you continue a customer interview where the customer is displaying coronavirus symptoms, call the Union’s Advice Team on 01234 282868 (Choose Option 1) straight away.

You should confirm any action you have taken in writing with your manager at the earliest opportunity. We will provide help if you need it on 01234 282868 (Choose Option 1).

For interviews that do proceed, we advise that you follow the Government’s advice on frequent hand washing and avoid touching your face.

I’m concerned about using the iPads, what can I do?

Again, the Bank has issued no guidance to staff on the use of iPads, which are an obvious hygiene risk. Until it does, you should again follow the Government’s advice on frequent hand washing and not touching your face.

I’m not being given time to wash my hands at work, what do I do?

Everyone should be given the opportunity to was their hands frequently at work. In the first instance, speak to your manager to ensure that there is a plan in place so that everyone has the opportunity to was their hands. If you’re not being given the opportunity to wash your hands frequently, contact us on 01234 282868 (Choose Option 1) straight away for further advice.

Can the Bank force me to go on maternity leave early if I have to self-isolate?

If you have to self-isolate because of coronavirus symptoms, the Bank has confirmed that you will receive paid leave for the 14 day isolation period. If you have to isolate beyond 14 days, the Bank may ask you to start your maternity leave early. Given the fact that pregnant women have been placed in a higher risk category by the Government, it’s essential that Bank recognises its duty to protect pregnant staff. If you’re pregnant and concerned about your individual circumstances, you should contact the Advice Team for further advice on 01234 282868 (Choose Option 1).

I have an underlying health condition which makes my circumstances higher risk, but my manager has told me I must still come to work and I’m worried. What do I do?

The Bank needs to be especially careful when it comes to dealing with people who have long-term health conditions which place them at higher risk when it comes to coronavirus. Such conditions might include asthma, diabetes or heart disease, or a weakened immune system as the result of disease or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy. It’s essential that you contact us straight away if you’re in a high risk group and your manager is still expecting you to come to work.

TSB has now sent all high risk staff members home for a 3 month period; Lloyds would be wise to do the same.

I am self-isolating because someone in my house is unwell with coronavirus symptoms – will I still be paid?

The Government has said: “if you live with others and you or one of them have symptoms of coronavirus, then all household members must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.” The Bank has not yet confirmed its position on this matter, but at the very least Statutory Sick Pay will be paid from day 1 of isolation. Our view is it would be irresponsible for Lloyds to force staff who need to self-isolate to claim SSP, which they will not be able to afford. The Bank should pay occupational sick pay.

I live with someone who is considered to be high risk, do I still have to come to work?

This is a matter that needs to be discussed with your line manager, but obviously much will depend on the medical status of the person with whom you live. Please contact the Advice Team for further advice on 01234 282868 (Choose Option 1).

 
I am off work looking after my child. Will any 1-to-1 meetings be postponed?

The Bank will have to postpone the meeting because you cannot attend if you are caring for your child. If you’re told that a meeting will not be postponed, ask your manager to confirm that in writing and then contact the Union’s Advice Team on 01234 282868 (Choose Option 1) straight away.

I am currently subject to a formal Performance Improvement Action Plan. I am now working from home, as instructed by the Bank. However, certain aspects of the plan require me to be at work in order to achieve the objectives set. Where do I stand?

All of those issues will need to be taken into account when it comes to reviewing the outcome of the plan in question. You should raise the issues with your line manager in writing now and ask him or her to confirm what additional action you should take, if any. We will provide help if you need it on 01234 282868 (Choose Option 1).