Submitted on Thursday 4th November 2021
Rejected on Tuesday 9th November 2021
Current status: Rejected
Rejection code: already-happening (see below for details)
Long COVID (Prolonged COVID symptoms) to be included under the Equality Act.
Latest Government figures revealed that nearly 400,000 people have been living with symptoms of long Covid for a year or more. Symptoms include fatigue, brain fog and shortness of breath. These people need to be protected in their employment.
Long COVID should be automatically recognised as a disability under the Equality Act so that employers do not unfairly dismiss employees and they are protected from discrimination and have a legal right to reasonable adjustments like longer rest breaks and flexible hours/duties.
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The Government e-Petitions Team gave the following reason:
The Government's guidance on disability under the Equality Act 2010 states that you’re disabled if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities:
www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under-equality-act-2010
It is therefore already the case that under the Equality Act, anyone with a physical or a mental condition which has a substantial and long-term impact on your ability to do normal day to day activities is protected under the disability protected characteristic. This could cover people who have long Covid, where this has a a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on their ability to do normal daily activities.
You can read more about disability rights at work here: www.gov.uk/rights-disabled-person/employment
18.118.9.146 Fri, 03 May 2024 19:31:57 +0100
