I work for a hotel chain and they are intent on making employees were a face covering , the comment of "if they don't wear it they are not coming to work" was said during a meeting - does this contravene the 2010 Equality Act?
Thank you in advance for any help
Carry one of these for convenience as it is a pain to argue with someone who does not know the law. Threaten anyone who challenges you.
A govt website advises on how to sue under Equality 2010.
Adam - Yes my visit to London was a wonderful experience. I was concerned I might be tackled by the London Transport Police, but nothing. Not on the buses, trains, the tube, or the shops. And that's without an exemption badge. Only a security guard at the door of M&S in Euston asked me about a mask, and I said no and just walked in. In the hotel where I stayed, no problem. The guy at the front desk was behind a screen, but the chambermaids and dining room staff, hardly a mask in sight, and it was a big hotel. I received 'hundreds' of hugs in London from some lovely people and guess what, not a cough or sniffle, and I'm in the 'vulnerable' group because of my age and health conditions. I wonder how many out of the thousands at Trafalgar Square have been 'struck down' by the virus. Not many I bet. Roll on 26th September! 😄
"Employers should assess the use of face coverings on a case by case basis"
The fact that they use the word “should” means that it’s not a legal requirement, and my guess is that they can’t legally force their staff to wear masks — any more than a Supermarket owner could — although who knows what coercive tactics your Hotel may employ. Do any of your colleagues feel the same way as.you do? Any safety in numbers there?
I personally would be much less inclined to visit a hotel where all the staff were wearing masks — I’d wonder what was wrong with them !! I just wish that business owners would realise that not all their customers want to be “kept safe” with these farcical measures, and that they’re actually driving away an increasingly large section of their customer base.
PS Grumpy Cat — I hope that your visit to Londinium for the demo was a good experience, and that the mask-wearing hoards left you in peace during the journey.
Geekbear - I can't help you very much as I am not a 'legal eagle', but this is the Government guidance:
'Face coverings are not required by law for employees as employers already have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment. Employers should assess the use of face coverings on a case by case basis depending on the workplace environment, other appropriate mitigations they have put in place, and whether reasonable exemptions apply. For example, there will be times when screens or visors are in use, or when a staff member is not in close proximity to people they do not normally meet, and so it will not be necessary for staff to wear a face covering.'
I think it does.
2. Equality Act 2010
2.1 The Equality Act 2010 outlines the provisions for employers in relation to making the workplace a fair environment and to comply with the law. It also sets out the different ways in which it is unlawful to treat someone, such as, direct and indirect discrimination, harassment, victimisation and failing to make reasonable adjustments for a disabled person. As an employer, the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) is responsible for the prevention of bullying, harassment, discrimination and victimisation and other unacceptable behaviour within the workplace.
More detail:
https://www.cps.gov.uk/publication/dignity-work-standards-behaviour-crown-prosecution-service