Motion 69
Covid, Long Covid and Workplace Related Issues
“That this Congress notes that it is estimated that over 180,00 people in Scotland are suffering Long Covid.
“Congress is concerned that the response of many employers is to: apply absence discipline; dismiss workers with Long Covid on ‘capability’ grounds; fail to put reasonable adjustments and support measures in place; block ill health retirement benefits; and withdraw support if sick pay entitlement is exhausted.
“Congress applauds trade union efforts to address this situation, notes that the Scottish Government agreed during the pandemic to issue guidance that no worker should face a detriment for Covid related absence and believes this should continue to apply to cases of Covid and Long Covid.
“Congress calls upon the General Council to:
- highlight the recommendations of the TUC Report ‘Workers experiences of Long Covid’;
- argue for Covid and Long Covid to be recognised industrial diseases;
- continue to build support for the Bill to establish a Scottish Employment Injuries Advisory Council, potentially ensuring access to Industrial Injuries & Disablement Benefits by workers experiencing Long Covid and generally expanding the list of proscribed diseases;
- call for investment under a ‘right to rehabilitation’ for those requiring rehabilitation after Covid-19;
- press the Scottish Government to conduct research on the long term effects of Long Covid and establish NHS Long Covid Units providing multi disciplinary, services; and
- call on the Scottish Government to review the extent of Covid in the workplace since the outset of the pandemic, with this review addressing the shameful under reporting of work-related Covid cases.”
Mover: Unite Scotland
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