On today’s Members Webinar, one of the topics of discussion was the ways in which care staff can make themselves identifiable when undertaking travel, food shopping and other essential activities during the Lockdown period.
We would suggest that staff carry one of the following pieces of identification for use during any police traffic stops or other legitimate questioning:
- Identification badge from their workplace – if using this, please ensure staff are suitably directed to carry this with care and to store it safely. Unfortunately we have been made aware of instances in England whereby staff have had their identification stolen, including forcibly.
- A letter from their care service which clearly identifies them as a key worker, including their name and ideally their picture – many thanks to members who have generously shared their template letterswhich members are welcome to download and adapt here:
- Template 1 –https://scottishcare.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Staff-template1.docx
- Template 2 – https://scottishcare.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/staff-essential-social-care-worker-letter.docx
Social care staff are identified as key workers during this time and are therefore able to undertake activities in line with their essential work, as well as to receive access to childcare. If members are experiencing any misnformation or barriers to this, please let us know.
We are continuing to pressure supermarkets and other food retailers to ensure that social care staff and services are able to be prioritised and given equivalent access to that of NHS workers.
Please continue to share any ideas you have or are using within the discussion board.
