Disabled workers and older people
[ch 1: page 13]The reporting of coronavirus-associated deaths can be dehumanising for disabled and older people, says the Wales TUC. “Media reports have reported deaths with the caveat that the person had pre-existing medical conditions,” it says. “These deaths are no less a travesty and deserve the same respect and solemnness.”
In the majority of cases, people at higher risk than others of serious illness from the virus — those classified as clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) — are disabled people with existing rights under the Equality Act 2010 (EA 10). The Wales TUC also reports a mistaken belief that “normal business” has been suspended as far as the Equality Act goes and disabled people have reported more difficulties getting reasonable adjustments agreed or keeping hold of them, in part because workplaces are often under-staffed (see Chapter 5). Some disabled workers rely on an accessible workspace at work. If this is not available at home, homeworking can be harmful to their physical and mental health.
In November 2020, the STUC released the findings of a survey showing that 80% of disabled workers were worried about the impact the next six months would have on their mental health.