ebola - employment rights in pandemic / epidemic

[MarkBrend]

Hello,

With the recent Ebola outbreak making it to the USA and sure to find its way here to the UK at some point and assuming that there are more than a hand full of cases (more then 30 say) if I were to refuse to go to work (work at an university, a highly dense population) on the ground of health and safety ie endangering my life due to the ease at which disease spread through uni's could my employer sack me and if they do could I sue them for constructive / unfair dismissal?

Many thanks

Mark

[MarkBrend]

ebola

http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...475#post477475

Hello,

With the recent Ebola outbreak making it to the USA and sure to find its way here to the UK at some point and assuming that there are more than a hand full of cases (more then 30 say) if I were to refuse to go to work (work at an university, a highly dense population) on the ground of health and safety ie endangering my life due to the ease at which disease spread through uni's could my employer sack me and if they do could I sue them for constructive / unfair dismissal?

Many thanks

Mark

[Amethyst]

Re: ebola

Interesting question.

Employers have a duty of care and must provide a safe working environment. It's where that would kick in to action - how many cases, known cases etc. ACAS used to have guidance on flu pandemics, will see if they have something updated.

Employees have a right to refuse to work in circumstances of serious and imminent danger and to take steps to protect themselves and others.

Health & Safety at Work Act
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1974/37/section/2

Employments Rights Act 1996
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/18/section/44

The companies of course should also have contingency plans in the case of a pandemic to enable staff to work from home (easier in this day and age) to continue the business.

[Amethyst]

Re: ebola

This is in relation to Swine Flu



so really it needs to be defined what risk is reasonable.

[Amethyst]

Re: ebola

answered on other thread, will merge them. ( done )