The EHRC have issued ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for employers‘ to ensure the decisions they make in response to the pandemic do not directly or indirectly discriminate against employees with protected characteristics. The EHRC appreciate that employers are having to make quick and difficult decisions and so to protect themselves from discrimination claims and make sure they are doing the best by employees, employers must think about the equality impacts before making decisions and the guidance provides a list of important points to consider. This will help make sure employers are not discriminating and reduce the impact a decision may have on people with protected characteristics. The ‘how to’ guides include details of an employer’s duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees, their obligations to support pregnant women and those on maternity leave and how to make the right, and lawful, decisions, particularly around dismissing and furloughing staff in the current climate.
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
