I'm happy to have found this website.
I'm a bartender currently working in Edinburgh and I've been on furlough for the past 4 months, I came back to work yesterday and I have been asked to wear a face mask or face shield. I have respiratory issues (chronic sinusitis and both daily and sleep Apnea) and severe diagnosed anxiety and I explained to my manager I can't work like that, I almost had a panic attack yesterday. I refused to wear it and I am expecting a complaint from management. If this happens, is that a way I can "fight" this?
The lockdown has made my depression and anxiety worse (I had to increase the doses of my SSRI) and everywhere I go I get treated like a leper, and I'm so tired to explain at the entrance of every shop that I cannot cover my mouth and nose.
I would like to find someone to talk to that is not compliant with this madness, since the lockdown I have been refusing to hold friendships with people who supported this.
Hello and welcome! Do check out the other posts on our forum. You are not alone here. Maybe because of your health issues you could be exempt from wearing a face covering due to medical grounds. Your employer has a duty of care to look after your wellbeing and safety. Have a look at the website Disability Rights UK, or get in touch with the Citizens Advice. I can't advise you, but there may be people out there who can. What do others think?
Hello, i work with disabled people and i my role i have often had to look for advice regarding discrimination also employment law. I have phoned ACAS before, they also have good information on their web site, also try SCOP https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/disability-discrimination-and-the-law/
I hope this helps