NEWS & RESOURCES

Is Long COVID-19 a disability?

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have reported that 1.8 million people are affected by Long Covid. Long Covid is defined as ill health relating to Covid-19 symptoms that last four weeks or more.

What is Long Covid?

The NHS says that symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, memory, and concentration problems to name a few. When understanding whether a medical condition is considered a disability and therefore protected by the Equality Act 2010 very much depends on the circumstances.

The legal definition of a disability within the Equality Acy 2010 is when a person has a disability if they have a “physical or mental impairment and the impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day to day activities”.

Long Covid & the Equality Act

Last month, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) have issued a statement to say that it cannot say that all cases of Long Covid will be protected by the Equality Act and that it is for an Employment Tribunal to decide, when assessing each case and their own set of circumstances.

We would always advise that when dealing with any long-term sickness absence, including cases involving Long Covid, to seek either Occupational Health advice or that of another medical practitioner.

Furthermore, when writing to a medical practitioner, we would also strongly advise asking the question that whether it is in their medical opinion, that the employee’s ill health is likely to be considered a disability for the purpose of the Equality Act.

Further Information

If you would like more information on this topic, or would like to enquire about how we can help your business, please contact us

SHARE THIS:

Instagram

GET IN TOUCH

Got questions? Looking for advice?

GET IN TOUCH

Got questions? Looking for advice?

RELATED RESOURCES

Explore our comprehensive library of related resources to gain valuable insights, expert tips, and helpful tools for optimising your HR practices.

Strategic HR thinking whitepaper

Our latest HR whitepaper offers an in-depth analysis and strategic framework aimed at transforming Human Resources into a pivotal element of business success in the rapidly evolving corporate environment of 2024.

PARTNER REGISTRATION

Register your details below and we will contact you regarding how HR Solutions can support your organisation.

MAKE A GENERAL ENQUIRY

We’re here to assist you with any questions or enquiries you might have. Simply fill out the form below, and our dedicated team will get back to you.

REQUEST A PROPOSAL FROM US

We’re here to assist you with any questions or enquiries you might have. Simply fill out the form below, and our dedicated team will get back to you.

BOOK YOUR PLACE

Please complete the form and one of our team will call you back to discuss your query/booking.

Request your free trial

Register your details below and we will contact you about your 30 day free trial of the HR Knowledge Base.

REGISTRATION FORM

Register your details below and we will contact you about access to the HR Knowledge Base.  As part of your approved industry membership organisation you can get access to the HR Knowledge Base, created by Business HR Solutions, which is the go-to resource for thousands of business owners and managers across the UK.

2023/2024 SME BUSINESS SURVEY

Our latest 2023/24 SME Business Survey sheds light on the intricate dynamics shaping the SME sector and unveils critical insights that can guide businesses toward sustainable success.

IF YOU WISH TO PURCHASE HR ADVICE LINE TIME, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW.

HR Solutions are here to help. We offer a standard hourly rate package for ad hoc HR advice which means you can pay for what you need, whenever you need it, and then quickly get advice. Our highly experienced advisors are on hand to provide you with practical employment advice to help you manage your workforce.  You can purchase HR Advice Line time now, and the time purchased will be valid for 12 months.