Employer putting me on call

[Steven5]

Hi

i work for a storage company that is allowed to stay open thorough this pandemic...I have not been asked yet but I think my employer is going to tell me to cover some other stores....can I object to this as I don’t feel comfortable using public transport to cover other stores that are further than my home store because of the Covid 19?

If they want me to cover a store that is more local to me than my home store I don’t mind it just means I could walk it or been public transport for less time.

[Steven5]

Sorry about the confusing title that has nothing to do with my question...trying to edit the title as I type

[Law Student 6]

Hello,
I understand your concerns. If you're uncomfortable working at a store that is further away you should express this to your employer. The employer has a responsibility to listen to your concerns and make adequate steps to protect their employees. Employers should be working towards being as flexible as possible to alleviate concerns such as commuting on public transport.
Also, if you don't want to work in a store thats further, you could arrange to take the time as holiday or as unpaid leave. Please bear in mind that the employer does not have to agree to this.

[ULA]

Just a question from me what does your contract state about location? Are you location specific i.e. where you currently work or does your contract allow for you to be moved to other locations.

Albeit we are in unprecedented circumstances and there is the duty of care for the health and safety of employees as Law Student 6 has rightly pointed, if your contract allows for movement between locations your employer may try an rely on this clause to ask you to work elsewhere. In which case you will need to listen to your concerns and will hopefully agree to more local stores for you to keep your travel time to a minimum.

If you have any more issues then please just come back to this thread.