Working from Home During a Serious Medical Condition: UK Rights Explained

In the face of a serious medical condition, balancing work and personal health is a challenging task, especially during a pandemic like the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak. The ability to work from home can be a crucial advantage in such situations. This article explores the rights of employees living with a serious medical condition in the UK to request remote work due to the current pandemic.

Understanding Your Rights as an Employee in the UK

Firstly, it's important to clarify that the specific right to work from home generally does not exist as a legal entitlement under UK employment law. However, if you are living with a serious medical condition, you may have certain rights and protections under the Equality Act 2010 and other employment legislations.

Reasons to Request Working from Home

Health and Safety: Working from home can minimize the risk of exacerbating your condition or exposing you to potential health hazards. Additionally, it ensures that you can continue your work without compromising your health.

Productivity and Efficiency: A supportive remote work environment can help you stay productive, manage your workload effectively, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Tools and resources such as video conferencing, project management software, and collaboration tools are becoming increasingly accessible, making remote work feasible and efficient.

Why Your Request May Be Approved

From an employer's perspective, it is becoming increasingly rare for such a request to be denied, given the current global context. Employers are encouraged to be flexible and consider the well-being of their staff. If your office environment poses risks or if you cannot perform your duties effectively in the office due to your condition, your employer has a legal obligation to ensure your health and safety. Refusal to allow you to work from home in these circumstances may be seen as discriminatory.

Here are a few steps to consider when approaching your employer:

Communication: Clearly explain your medical condition and how working from home can benefit both you and your employer. Documentation: Provide medical evidence if necessary to support your request and demonstrate your requirements. Itinerary: Develop an itinerary or plan that outlines how you will manage your work from home, ensure you meet deadlines, and engage with colleagues. Support and Resources: Suggest any necessary resources or support that could be provided to make your remote working experience as seamless as possible.

What to Do If Your Request is Not Approved

If your employer refuses your request, it may be time to reconsider your employment situation. You should formally document the request and the refusal, and retain all communication in writing. You can also seek guidance from Employment Tribunals or consult with legal professionals specializing in employment law.

It's important to remain professional and seek alternative employment if working from home is essential for your health and well-being, and your current job does not provide reasonable accommodations.

Key Takeaways

There are no legal rights to work from home specifically, but individuals with serious medical conditions may have protections under the Equality Act 2010. Working from home can significantly benefit both the employee and the employer in terms of safety and productivity. If your employer denies your request, document the situation, seek further advice, and consider alternative employment options.