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Protecting yourself from infectious illness

Coronavirus info

Keep safe

You can reduce the risk of catching and passing flu, colds or any infectious illness by:

Flu vaccinations 2023

We’re encouraging colleagues to protect themselves from flu this winter by offering paid time off for vaccination appointments. Staff who are not eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination can still protect themselves by booking a private flu jab and claiming costs of up to £20 through e-expenses. Flu vaccinations are available to book through pharmacies such as Superdrug, Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy and participating supermarkets. Costs may vary so please check their websites in advance. If you pay for a vaccine, please keep a copy of your receipt to forward with your claim.

What to do if you are unwell 

We want to support you to take the time you need to rest, recover, and keep everyone as safe and as well as possible:

  • If you are not well enough to work you should remain at home and report your sickness in the usual way. 
  • If you have symptoms of an infectious illness and are well enough to work, you should not come onto campus until you have spoken to your line manager. Your line manager will discuss the cause of you feeling unwell, and your symptoms, to agree whether you should be working at all, and what adjustments might be made for you, including potentially working from home.   

Ventilation

Whilst airborne viruses can spread in enclosed spaces, ventilation can help reduce transmission:

  • Many areas across campus have mechanical ventilation in place to circulate fresh air. These systems should not be adjusted as they have been calibrated to the correct setting.
  • Spaces without mechinical ventilation will have windows that can be opened. You can leave a window ajar all day, or open a window after a meeting to let in fresh air and ventilate the area.

Please report any concerns about mechanical ventilation to the Facilities Directorate Helpdesk.

Clinically vulnerable individuals

The University expects staff to work on campus as required by their line manager. Whilst particularly vulnerable individuals are not being advised to shield, we understand the concerns of these staff and students during the winter period.

In some circumstances, staff and students may have received advice from their doctor or clinician to take additional precautions. If so they should continue to follow that advice. Anyone with health concerns that affect their ability to work, or study, are encouraged to speak to their line manager, human resources, personal tutor or supervisor.

Face coverings

Wearing a face covering on campus is not required however clinical settings may need to observe NHS guidance (if so, this should be followed). We recognise that individuals may still choose to wear a face covering and this should be respected by all members of our community.

Support

If you require any support, please speak to your line manager or human resources manager. You can also contact the University’s Staff Counselling and Psychological Support Team or visit our Health and Wellbeing webpages for further information.

Useful links and resources