Ensuring the safety and welfare of our students on placement is a priority. We're monitoring the situation as it unfolds and will keep you informed of any updates.
Who should self isolate?
Current government advice (16/03/20) for those with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild:
If you live with others - those with symptoms, and their households, should stay at home for 14 days and avoid going out if possible. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.
If you live alone - those with symptoms should stay at home for 7 days from when your symptoms started.
The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:
• new continuous cough and/or
• high temperature
If you have symptoms you should read the Government's stay at home guidance for more information on how to help protect yourself and others in your community whilst you are infectious.
You should contact your line manager on your first day of absence.
If you are well enough and are able to do so, then you can agree with your manager to work from home. If you are too ill or cannot work from home, then you will be paid in accordance with the company’s sick pay provisions.
Should I be following company or University guidelines?
Company guidelines primarily. All companies should be following the Government Guidelines which the University are also following.
You are currently company employees, away from the University, so should do what the company is doing.
What should I do if I've not been told to work from home but do not feel comfortable to continue working?
Why do you feel uncomfortable? Have you discussed this with your line manager/HR? You have a contract with the company, the company can vary the working conditions as per contract, and we are in a situation of national emergency.
If I am working from home, will this lower my mark and therefore have an impact on my overall degree grade?
No. Work should still be getting done at home and you will be able to document what you are doing in the same way. This may give you time to complete the portfolio with the permission from your line manager to do this in working hours.
If working from home is not an option (e.g. Unpaid leave) and they are sent home from work:
What happens financially? Is there any additional funding I can source to help pay for accommodation and living?
Unfortunately, at the moment there is no specific advice about funding for student's on placement. You will need to assess your individual circumstances and make adjustments accordingly.
The Government has announced protection for people in rented accomodation that is designed to protect against eviction. If your accommodation contract can be terminated, then perhaps you could terminate it and relocate back to parental home.
Please see more information on statutory sick pay: https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay
What happens if the placement duration is cut short and doesn’t meet the 30 weeks minimum criteria, will this still count as a year in industry placement?
We would look at this sympathetically, and principally be guided by if student's have achieved/largely achieved the objectives.
If it does still count as a year in industry will there be any lenience in the marking criteria giving that the placement has not come to a natural normal end?
We will adjust our expectation in line with a shorted time period for the student to demonstrate the objectives.
Here are a couple of useful links for you to follow:
Government Advice - https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
Guidance on working during the coronvirus - https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus
Health Advice - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
