ASK AN EXPERT

I HAVE been forced to return to work by my employer, despite a colleague in the office displaying symptoms and testing positive for coronavirus. My employer has not performed a clean of the office but advised that this will be occurring in the next week or so. I do not feel safe returning to work but worry that my job may be in jeopardy if I do not. What can I do? THE Scottish Government has laid out clear guidance for employers on implementing processes in various work environments in relation to coronavirus.

This highlights key practices for employers in ensuring that workplaces are safe for employees.

It also outlines what employers should do if someone tests positive for the virus.

Employers can face fines if the appropriate provisions are not in place to help curb the spread of the virus.

If someone has tested positive for the virus in your workplace and you have come into contact with them, the Test and Protect Service states that you must self-isolate for 14 days.

You should contact the Test and Protect Service on 0800 030 8012 if you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

Scottish Government advice states that until they have been tested and told if it is safe to leave home, organisations should make sure that staff are not forced to come into work.

In these instances, you can request an isolation note through NHS inform.

This is for people with symptoms of coronavirus, those who have tested positive for the virus, live with someone who displays symptoms, or those in a support bubble with someone who has symptoms.

This can be obtained online at https://111.nhs.uk/ isolation-note/ where you will be asked a series of questions to check if you are eligible for an isolation note.

It is also recommended that employers support those affected in this way as much as possible and try to protect the income of individuals affected in these situations.

This support may also include offering the alternative of working from home if this is a possibility.

Your employer should have risk assessments in place for dealing with situations like this, including processes for cleanliness.

You should raise your concerns with the employer, outlining that you feel that the appropriate health and safety guidelines are not being followed and, as such, you are being placed into a position that could have an impact on your health and the health of others that come into contact with you.

If this initial conversation is not taken seriously, you may be able to raise a formal grievance with the employer as per their own grievance policy.

Information on how to go about this can usually be found in your employee handbook.

Usually this involves highlighting your concerns to the employer in writing.

In any communication, you should outline your concerns, and refer to Government guidance on the matter.

You should also contact consumer advice. scot and provide information, which will be passed on to the relevant Trading Standards team for investigation.

Remember that by downloading the Test and Protect app, you can receive alerts if you come into contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.

This uses Bluetooth technology to track interaction with others who have downloaded the app and will send an anonymous warning if you have.

This can be downloaded by visiting https://protect. scot/.

Stay safe and I hope this helps.