Thursday 16th July 2020
As part of the Citizens Advice Exeter and The Express and Echo weekly advice column, this week we focus on travel to work during the Covid-19 pandemic.
My workplace has reopened, and they have done a lot to ensure that it is safe, but the only way I can get there is on public transport. Do I have any rights in this area?
Many people will understandably have questions about how they can safely get back to work. It is important to talk through any concerns with your employer as soon as possible so that you can reach a solution that works for both of you, and allows you to feel safe when returning to work. You may also want to discuss any concerns with your trade union representative.
Your employer has a legal duty under the law, and under your contract, to ensure that your workplace does not pose a risk to your health and safety.
Your employer’s duty is limited to things that are under its control, and so there is no clear legal position about whether it has to take into account the risks you face when travelling to and from work, as part of its health and safety assessment.
During this pandemic, however, a risk assessment should consider how vulnerable people at higher risk will get to work as public health guidance warns that they must stay at home as much as possible and minimise contact with people outside of their household.
Even if you’re not classed as vulnerable, your employer should listen to your concerns if you’re worried about having to use public transport after being called back into work. You could, for example, ask to travel at quieter times of the day.
For more information and advice visit: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Look out for our column next week when we focus on changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
The information contained in these articles does not constitute advice. Citizens Advice Exeter and The Express and Echo accept no liability for the information published. Citizens Advice Exeter is unable to respond to individual requests for advice through these columns. Copyright Citizens Advice. For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk