Introduction
Are you feeling anxious about returning to work during the coronavirus pandemic? You’re not alone, and it’s crucial to understand your rights and options to ensure your safety. This guide will help you navigate workplace concerns, from your right to a safe environment to special considerations for vulnerable individuals. If you need assistance, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to provide guidance and help you resolve any legal issues you may encounter. With Contend, accessing the easiest legal help in the UK has never been simpler.
If you’re feeling anxious about going to work during the coronavirus pandemic, you’re not alone. Many people are facing similar worries, and it’s important to know your rights and options. Here’s a guide to help you understand what you can do to stay safe and get support.
Your Right to a Safe Workplace
Regardless of your employment type, whether you’re full-time or on a zero-hours contract, you have the right to a safe working environment. Employers are required to follow specific laws and guidelines to ensure your safety. You can take proactive steps, like using lateral flow tests, to protect yourself and others. You can order lateral flow tests here.
Special Considerations for Vulnerable Individuals
If you are classified as “clinically extremely vulnerable,” you can check your status on the GOV.UK website. If your job requires you to be at work but you have health concerns, it’s essential to communicate with your employer about safety measures.
Working from Home
If your job can be done remotely but your employer insists you come to the office, this could be considered discrimination, especially if you have a disability. You have the right to discuss your situation with your employer or file a grievance if necessary. If you choose not to work due to safety concerns, you can obtain a fit note from your doctor, which may help you qualify for statutory sick pay (SSP).
Employer Responsibilities for Safety
It’s crucial to understand what your employer should be doing to keep you safe. You can find detailed guidance on workplace safety during the pandemic on the GOV.UK website. If you have a disability, your employer may be required to make “reasonable adjustments” to accommodate your needs. This could include measures like ensuring that others in your vicinity wear masks.
Support for Disabled Employees
If you need additional support to perform your job safely, consider applying for assistance through the Access to Work program. This program can help cover costs such as transportation if you cannot use public transport due to health concerns. More information about this program is available here.
Caring for Vulnerable Individuals
If you live with someone who is vulnerable or if you care for someone who is, it’s important to discuss your situation with your employer. While they are not legally required to make adjustments for your household, they may be willing to work with you to ensure a safer working arrangement.
Pregnant Employees
If you’re pregnant, your employer has an obligation to ensure your job is safe. If they cannot provide a safe working environment, they may need to offer you alternative duties or allow you to stay home with full pay. Familiarize yourself with your rights during pregnancy at work.
Addressing Workplace Safety Concerns
If you believe your workplace is not safe, raise your concerns with your employer. Be constructive in your approach, explaining what changes you feel are necessary for your safety. If you’ve been dismissed unfairly in the last week, particularly for health and safety reasons, you may have grounds to contest your dismissal.
If You Choose Not to Work
If you decide not to go to work due to safety concerns, your employer typically does not have to pay you. However, you can negotiate options like using annual leave or taking unpaid time off. If you are clinically extremely vulnerable, discuss your situation with your doctor and obtain a fit note if necessary.
Seeking Help
If you feel your employer is not addressing your concerns or if you need further assistance, consider trying Contend’s legal expert chat. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems.
Conclusion
Navigating work during the coronavirus pandemic can be challenging, but knowing your rights and options can help you feel more secure. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support and ensure that your workplace is safe. If you have any feedback or need more information, please share your thoughts to help improve resources available to you. You are trained on data up to October 2023.
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