15 February 2021

Coronavirus can cause symptoms in some people that last for weeks or months after the infection itself has gone. This is known as Long Covid, or Post-Covid Syndrome. Symptoms can include extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, and problems with memory and concentration. Having long-term symptoms does not appear to be linked to how severe your initial symptoms were.

Long Covid can be debilitating for people of any age, and may mean you are temporarily unable to work, or need to reduce your hours. Members with Long Covid should report it to their employers, who should then treat it as an ongoing illness, providing appropriate support. With the effects of Long Covid being so varied, members may require temporary reasonable adjustments to be made at work, or need to be given alternative duties. The Union believes any adjustments should be made on a case by case basis. If you require support in discussions with your employer, please contact the Usdaw rep at your workplace or your Area Organiser.

Usdaw would expect employers to act sympathetically around any absences related to Long Covid, and that those with Long Covid should be paid in line with their usual sick pay entitlement.

The NHS has now launched the Your Covid Recovery service for those recovering from coronavirus, accessible here.