The number of employment tribunal claims based on health and safety concerns has tripled in the past year. According to figures obtained via a freedom of information request by Nockolds Solicitors, in the 12 months leading up to 31 March 2021, 637 claims were brought to the employment tribunals citing health and safety concerns. The number of claims increased by 156% compared with the previous year, when 248 such claims were brought.
Nockolds Solicitors have warned that employers may be faced with increased health and safety related claims from employees who have been dismissed for refusing to work for reasons related to the coronavirus pandemic. Nockolds Solicitors have also warned that employers may be faced with an increase in claims from employees who have resigned but may bring a claim for constructive dismissal based on the unsafe working environments at their organisation, if covid-19 protocols were not efficiently put in place by the employer.
