Recent Long COVID study: the impact on the workplace
A recent study by CIPD and Simplyhealth has found that nearly half (46%) of employers have staff who have experienced Long COVID in the last year. The study involved 804 organisations, representing over 4.3 million employees
A recent study by CIPD and Simplyhealth has found that nearly half (46%) of employers have staff who have experienced Long COVID in the last year. The study involved 804 organisations, representing over 4.3 million employees. In addition, the study found that a fifth of employers said that they did not know whether any employees have suffered from Long COVID, meaning that the full scale of the problem could be underestimated.
Long COVID is where symptoms of COVID continue for more than 12 weeks after initial infection. Common symptoms include extreme tiredness, shortness of breath and problems with memory and concentration.
It is important that employers are aware of Long COVID as, in some circumstances, employees with Long COVID may meet the definition of a disability under the Equality Act 2010. The study suggests that there are employers who unknowingly have employees with Long COVID. It is important that employers create a supportive environment where employees feel able to share information regarding their health to ensure that any necessary steps are taken. This may include, for example, referring employees to occupational health to assess whether any adjustments need to be made to their role or implementing flexible working arrangements. It is also important that Line Managers are aware of the issue and receive appropriate training on how to support employees with the condition.
Related expertise
You may be interested in...
Legal Update
School leaders survey Spring 2024 - the results are in!
Legal Update
OFS Consultation on freedom of speech guidance
Opinion
Can teachers personal and political views amount to misconduct?
Press Release
Browne Jacobson to advise East London Waste Authority on major waste programme
Legal Update
Government updates guidance on holiday rules: What employers need to know
Legal Update
Holiday pay: Government change clarifies treatment of term time only workers
Legal Update
Cyber-attacks in UK universities: Why failing to prepare is no longer an option
Press Release
Browne Jacobson advises Greater Manchester Combined Authority on its investment in Beryl
Opinion
School attendance matters
Opinion
Caregivers at work: Navigating new carer's leave regulations
Opinion
EHRC publishes new guidance on menopause and the workplace
Opinion
Fire and re-hire: Updated statutory code summary for employers
Legal Update
How do holiday pay reforms affect the education sector?
Legal Update
Revised Acas Code of Practice on requests for flexible working
Legal Update
Veganism and manufacturing: Protected characteristics from discrimination in employment law
Opinion
Settlement agreements: Court of Session finds future claims may be settled
Legal Update
Holiday reforms: What employers need to know
Legal Update
Employment law in 2024: How changes impact education
Legal Update
Backpay for leavers: Employers risk unlawful deduction from wages claims
Opinion
New employment rights set to come into force
Legal Update
Minimum Service Levels introduced for ambulance, rail, and border security
Opinion
BBC personality wins appeal on IR35 status
Opinion
Autumn statement 2023 – key take outs for employers
Opinion
Collective bargaining rights
Opinion
Agency cover and strike action
Opinion
Updates in equality – An overview of new regulations
Opinion
Minimum Service Levels and reasonable steps – consultation response
Legal Update
Holiday entitlement and pay: Reforms ahead
Legal Update
A positive duty to prevent sexual harassment
Press Release
Browne Jacobson advises Care Fertility Group on acquisition of CRGW
Opinion
Bonus clawback provisions: Clear and reasonable
Opinion
Third party intervention did not break the chain of causation in whistleblowing detriment claim
Opinion
Holiday pay claims: A series of deductions
Opinion
Monitoring workers – ICO guidance
Press Release
Browne Jacobson strengthens employment team with key partner hire
Legal Update
Greater predictability over terms for workers
Guide
Transforming EDI practices in UK insurance
Opinion
Minimum service levels and reasonable steps
Opinion
Modern slavery in the care sector – how employers can manage risks
