Other sources of legal protection

There are other key legal rights available to support workers who fear returning to a dangerous workplace, including the duty to make reasonable adjustments to support disabled workers under the Equality Act 2010. Workers living with someone whose disability places them at higher risk from COVID-19 may be protected from “associative disability discrimination”.

Pregnant workers also have important rights, including protection from pregnancy discrimination and the right to a maternity suspension on full pay if there is no suitable alternative work, under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (see Chapter 4).

LRD’s annual guide, The Law at Work (https://www.lrdpublications.org.uk/lawatwork), provides detailed information on discrimination law.