I have been hearing some very troubling stories about companies so desperate to get back to making profits that they are ignoring some basic principles, decency and compassion for their
vulnerable employees.
In one case, I understand a woman informed her bosses that she had a chronic condition that meant she was at a very high risk of becoming a Covid fatality, if she contracted it.
She was worried about being exposed on the public transport she used and asked to work from home.
I understand she contracted the Coronavirus and died within a few days.
I don’t know how true the story is, but that doesn’t really matter, because it is a good cautionary tale
As we start returning to some form of normality, there’s the real chance that we will let our guard down.
I see people walking around with masks that expose their noses and others who ignore the social distancing requirements.
I think people are bored with having to be vigilant all the time.
And this is us having become victims of our own success.
By success, I mean the fact that we have managed to keep the infection numbers low to allow the hospitals to get ready.
While the Lockdown has achieved that, it has also given many people a false sense of invincibility, because nobody close to them has been struck down.
The lack of paranoia may prove disastrous now that more people are returning to work.
So I want to urge you to remain vigilant and not let your guard down.
And employers, please don’t put staff at risk simply to satisfy your need to see people actually working.
The battle is far from over, and if they can work from home, then please let them.