A Costa worker recently tested positive for Covid–19, but claims she was left shocked by what her boss said when she told them. The situation left her in a bit of a pickle
A Costa employee recently tested positive for Covid–19, and the situation left her in a pickle, even though a new variant is known to be doing the rounds lately. The woman alleged she told her boss she tested positive for coronavirus as she felt she should take some time off work, but his response left her totally floored.
She explained she’s felt quite unwell since she got sick, but her boss reportedly wants her to come into work and carry on as normal. She posted about her situation on Reddit, as she thinks Costa will be better off without her until she’s well again, but the topic has divided people online quite a lot.
Posting in a Costa thread and not naming the specific branch, she said; “Hey, I’ve been ill for a few days and just tested positive for Covid. It’s hitting me pretty hard. I told my manager, and he said I can still work, and it just counts as a normal absence.
“I’ve got a shift tomorrow, but I don’t think it’s safe or fair to come in while I’m this unwell and contagious. Is this really how Costa handles it? Has anyone else dealt with this? What should I do?”
Hundreds of people have engaged with the post since it was shared, with customers offering varied ideas. People’s thoughts on the matter were pretty torn.
One person wrote: “You shouldn’t be working if you’re ill, even if asymptomatic, as you could be passing on germs that could affect an immunocompromised person worse than you, especially in such a customer-facing role.”
Another added: “This happened to me when I worked with children and babies. The managers wanted me in. I just took the time off as I felt dreadful, and wouldn’t forgive myself if I’d passed that onto a vulnerable child. If you feel like c**p, stay home and get better.”
A third also replied: “You’re ill, stay off and get a doctor’s note. I don’t understand (particularly food chain) workplaces that insist on staff coming in sick. You’re just spreading it, and not getting the chance to rest and recover.”
Someone else had a different viewpoint, writing: “I’m not sure the manager here is forcing them to work. I think they’re saying you can work if well enough. If you’re not, it’s a sickness absence. I’m currently struck down with Covid and feel s**t, so I’m off work. I didn’t need work to tell me to be off as I’m responsible for my own health.”
One more also chimed in with: “If you feel too unwell to work, don’t work. Not many places have a Covid policy anymore as few people are testing.”
The government website states there are currently no Covid-19 restrictions in the UK; however, if you have Covid-19, you should try to stay at home. The NHS website also offers advice on what to do if you test positive
It suggests people should try and stay at home and avoid contact with others for three days after the day the test was taken if you, or your child, are under 18. It adds: “Children and young people tend to be infectious for less time than adults”
If you are 18 or over, you should try and stay home and avoid contact with other people for five days. As well as this, it’s advised you should not meet with people who are more likely to get seriously ill from infections, such as people with a weakened immune system, for 10 days after the day you took your test.
Acas also offers insight, stating: “If someone finds out they’ve tested positive for Covid-19 (coronavirus) or has Covid symptoms, they should tell their employer.
‘”Self-isolating’ (staying at home) is no longer a legal requirement. But, if someone has Covid symptoms or has tested positive, they should follow government guidance and any policy their organisation has.”
Further information can be found on the website. Costa has also been asked to comment.
