However, there has been an emotional cost to the crisis - not being able to physically see his four children. They all live in different parts of the country and he hasn’t seen them since the end of February. “I’ve missed two of my kids’ birthdays, which was really, really tough,” he says. “Even with video calling, it’s not the same as I just wanted to be with them and give them a hug. That was a real kicker, and I can’t wait to see them.”
With the easing of lockdown, and the government announcing more measures to bring society back to some form of normality, those shielding can stop doing so from August 1. Simon has mixed feelings about this. “I’m more than happy to start going back outside, but with social distancing rules changing and people still dying from this virus, I am worried that the chances of catching it have increased.”
Like many in his position, Simon feels his chances of staying in employment for longer have diminished due to his age and the fact he’s vulnerable to the virus. His work have asked him to come back to work from August 2. “Luckily, at work I’m confined to my own box at the front of the train, and I rarely come into close contact with people anyway. I’m confident that work will make it as safe as possible,” he says. “But I’m worried about my financial situation if I do have to shield again. I feel like I’m more likely to lose my job because I would be a risk to my employers, Why keep someone in employment and pay them when they have to constantly shield? So, yes, I am worried about what a second wave might bring.”
At the Centre for Ageing Better, our goal is to see older workers in employment for longer, with conditions to allow them to work comfortably. The COVID-19 crisis has changed the way we work forever, and we want to ensure that those in later life are not forgotten about.