Report reveals Long Covid sufferer’s mistreatment at hands of employers

Over a million people have faced what they see as unfair treatment from employers since they contracted long Covid, a recent report has shown.

The study by the TUC https://www.tuc.org.uk in conjunction with the charity Long Covid Support said around two-thirds of the estimated 2 million UK sufferers, who have long lasting symptoms of the virus could be facing futures ladened with inequalities due to their ongoing issues.

The report was a result of the analysis of more than 3,000 people who have had their lives changed dramatically since the pandemic, which started in the spring of 2020.

Whilst many cited harassment due to not being believed or threatened with disciplinary action, in the worst cases one in seven had lost their jobs.

The report recommended Long Covid being designated as a disability for the purposes of the 2010 Equality Act and to classify it as an occupational disease, so people who got it through their work can seek compensation.

Under this Act, the definition is a physical or mental impairment lasting more than a year and having a substantial and long-term adverse effect to carry out normal day to day activities.

The term long Covid is very much an umbrella term for a large number of symptoms after getting the virus. It includes brain fog, chronic fatigue and breathing difficulties.

The report calls for more flexible working, disability leave and a phased return to the workplace as some of the options.

Being employment law experts here in Staines we have seen the effects of long covid on many, from both an employer and employee point of view.

We can safely say it is an issue that will remain in the spotlight as the numbers of people affected is so substantial.

Whilst the world of lockdowns is thankfully now behind us, Covid has changed the world greater and more negatively for some more than others. Long Covid, we believe needs special handling legally and it will be interesting to see how legislation will be affected.

If you have any employment issues relating to this or other matters, please contact our employment law experts to see if we can help.