2021 saw a 156% increase in Employment Tribunal claims citing health and safety concerns.
Employers are likely to see further increase in claims from employees dismissed for refusing to work for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic or a lack of effective implementation of COVID-19 protocols. This has also likely been impacted by a larger proportion of the work force being able to work from home.
Employers’ duty to provide a safe working environment extends to ensuring that employees have adequate equipment for home working as well and to effectively risk-assess this.
Employers should also consider adopting policies for working from home and for managing sickness absence related to COVID-19.
For more information or advice on policies, or to discuss how we can support your business with Employment Tribunal claims, please contact one of our specialist employment lawyers directly. Alternatively you can call 0115 9 100 200 or click here to send an email.
Posted on February 3, 2022