- Conference
- 2025 National Black Members' Conference
- Date
- 7 September 2024
- Decision
- Carried
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) defines ‘long Covid’ or ‘Post-Covid-19 Syndrome’ as ongoing signs and symptoms that develop during or after a Covid-19 infection, lasting more than 12 weeks without an alternative diagnosis. These symptoms can vary widely, often appearing in clusters that may fluctuate over time and affect multiple systems within the body.
According to a March 2023 report from the House of Commons Library, approximately 1.9 million people in the UK were experiencing long Covid, representing 2.9% of the population. Among these, 1.3 million had symptoms persisting for over a year, and 762,000 for more than two years. Common symptoms include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. The impact on Black communities has been particularly severe, as many work in frontline roles. General Practitioners (GPs) are struggling to manage these symptoms, leading employers to increasingly seek ways to address long Covid in the workplace.
Researchers warn that the long-term effects of Covid-19 will continue to have a significant impact on the UK workforce. It is estimated that 5.5% of those infected with Covid-19 may develop chronic, life-altering conditions, particularly affecting the heart and lungs. A study by the universities of Southampton and Portsmouth, published in *Applied Economics Letters*, estimated that 80,000 people had left employment due to long Covid by early March 2020. The long-term impact on healthcare services is also concerning, with the costs of providing care for long Covid patients and the strain on NHS staff being major issues. The British Medical Association has called for enhanced financial support and services for healthcare workers affected by long Covid.
The Society of Occupational Medicine has highlighted the widespread impact of long Covid on the workforce, urging organizations to review their absence management and flexible working policies to better support affected employees. The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) has also issued guidance on this matter.
There are ongoing discussions about whether long Covid qualifies as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. According to Section 6 of the Act, a person is considered to have a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. While there has not yet been an Employment Tribunal ruling on this issue, it is likely that employees with long Covid could demonstrate such impairments, particularly if symptoms like breathlessness and cognitive difficulties significantly affect their daily functioning.
It is crucial for the NBMC to encourage Black members to engage in the Covid inquiry and help drive the UNISON campaign to support members affected by long Covid:
We call on the NBMC to:
1)Support the call for clear legal recognition and push for clarity on whether long Covid qualifies as a disability under the Equality Act 2010, ensuring that those affected receive the necessary legal protections and workplace accommodations;
2)Promote workplace adjustments to encourage employers to adopt flexible working practices and effective absence management policies to better support employees suffering from long Covid;
3)Raise awareness in Black communities to support public health campaigns focused on Black communities to increase awareness of long Covid, its symptoms, and available support services, aiming to reduce the disproportionate impact on these groups.
