- Conference
- 2022 Health Care Service Group Conference
- Date
- 10 December 2021
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes that in the two years since COVID-19 emerged, we can see the devastating affects it has had on those impacted by Post-Covid-19 Syndrome.
Common symptoms of Post-Covid-19 Syndrome include (but are not limited to) fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, pain and changes in mood. Symptoms can often be fluctuating which adds another layer of complexity in managing the condition, both personally and within the workplace.
Conference notes that there is common ground with other Energy Limiting Chronic Illnesses. Looking at the common barriers this group of people face, rather than the individual diagnoses, will only strengthen the case for appropriate support and action.
While reasonable adjustments may be advised by Occupational Health or other health professionals, employers, including healthcare employers, don’t always agree to implement them or implement them in a timely manner. In addition to this, phased returns are historically very difficult as they’re often rigid and do not allow enough flexibility to deal with the fluctuating nature of Post-Covid-19 Syndrome. It is vital that employers understand the importance of flexible and timely implementation of reasonable adjustments and the benefits to both employer and worker.
Many of our members were exposed to Covid-19 in the workplace before the true nature of the transmissibility of Covid was known and the long term impact it can have.
Whilst some healthcare employers have been sympathetic and still designate Post Covid Syndrome as special leave, conference is aware that many of our members are facing employers who use punitive measures such as formal sickness absence hearings, capability procedures and even dismissal rather than offer people the support they need. Black workers with post-Covid 19 syndrome are often particularly subject to such punitive measures and mis-use of the sickness absence and performance management system due to systemic racism. UNISON has produced new guidance to help branches to support members with Post Covid syndrome, including looking at whether the member may be a disabled person and entitled to protections and adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. However, more needs to be done to raise awareness with employers of their duties and responsibilities when it comes to supporting staff with Post-Covid-19 Syndrome.
Conference therefore calls on the Healthcare Service Group Executive to work with the National Disabled Members Committee to:
1. Continue to produce guidance and training to help branches seek to prevent members being penalised for having Post-Covid-19 Syndrome, with particular reference to the intersectional experience of Black disabled workers.
2. Promote the current range of resources available to support our regions and branches, including:
a) Quick guide to Reasonable Adjustment,
b) Reasonable Adjustments Passport and policy guide
c) Disability Leave bargaining guide and model Policy
d) Bargaining to support those with Long Covid guide
3. Learn from the experiences of those with Energy Limiting Chronic Illnesses, including the challenges of supporting staff at work and preventing punitive processes and ultimately capability dismissal, when there is still a lack of knowledge and recognition for the condition by employers, the medical profession and even broader society.