Employer insisting on proof...

[FusionEsque]

I work in retail and we are now being told that the company requires proof of exemption with regards to face masks.

Now, I can provide this with a note from my GP. But I find it a little suspect that we are meant to take customers at their word but they won't offer us the same courtesy.

Also, exempt staff are being encouraged to wear the mask for short periods, even if they have to take it off every few minutes. Surely, in some cases, this is risking our own health?

I guess your employer is legally responsible for their employees in a different way to their customers. Rather than it being personal.

Don’t see much point in continually putting a mask on and off then touching other stuff though.

I’m sure I read that GP’s will not be providing letters re: mask exemption, they simply don’t have the resources. Have a look on the government CV website I’m sure you could provide your employer with a print out from there to confirm you don’t have to prove why you can’t wear a mask.
Don’t let them bully you, many people cannot wear masks for physical health reasons as well as emotional/mental health reasons.

I think the law is slightly different as it is your employer and, for example, if you had a disability, you would need to disclose that if you requested an adjustment. Have a read of the Equalities Act 2010.

Just wear the mask no one likes it plenty of us have breathing issues and/or find it very triggering we still do it.

@InfiniteSheldon

Just wear the mask no one likes it plenty of us have breathing issues and/or find it very triggering we still do it.

No.

I take abuse from customers on a daily basis. I deal with it. But I cannot wear a mask for eight hours a day. I can't. I won't.

‘Just wear a mask‘ is a ridiculous thing to say. OP don’t listen to this. If you can’t wear one they should take your word for it, I really don’t think they can force you.

I have to wear one behind the till for 8 hours a day. I have asthma and claustrophobia - it is not fun!

But maybe try a few different masks? I tried with a paper one and it was horrible and I was panicking wildly, but I switched to a reusable washable fabric one and that one is okay. It's like talking to customers through a mattress, but it works and complies with company policy.

I can understand employers requesting proof they will need a record and they are accountable for their own staff.

Customers is a whole different topic and not comparable.

It's completely different when it comes to your employer than a random shop. Employers are perfectly entitled to ask for proof if someone is requesting a reasonable adjustment and that is exactly what asking not to wear a mask would be classified as.

I also don't think it would be unreasonable for shops to reallocate work so that those who are unable to wear a mask are in the back or otherwise away from customers for as much of their shift as possible.

@StatisticalSense

It's completely different when it comes to your employer than a random shop. Employers are perfectly entitled to ask for proof if someone is requesting a reasonable adjustment and that is exactly what asking not to wear a mask would be classified as.

You're right. I agree. And now I feel silly asking this.

@StatisticalSense

I also don't think it would be unreasonable for shops to reallocate work so that those who are unable to wear a mask are in the back or otherwise away from customers for as much of their shift as possible.

Unfortunately, as a Team Leader in a convenience store, this is impossible. I spend the majority of my day running around, putting out stock, tidying up the store, handling customer complaints, dealing with cash discrepancies, etc.

I often spend less than 10 minutes behind a screen or in a stockroom all day.

They can face a huge fine now for not being compliant, ask them what they'd accept as an exemption.

As in what you can provide to them.

There's a huge difference between customers and employees in terms of liability, though.

Employers can get fined if their employees don't wear masks. They can't get fined if customers don't. At the end of the day, there responsible for your safety and it's understandable they need some form of "proof" before allowing this.

That being said, if GP's aren't providing exemption letters, then I don't know what the answer is. I feel for you - it's not an easy situation!

I'd discuss the fact that your GP won't provide you with a letter with your employer. See if they can come up with a suggestion.

Unless you genuinely cannot then I would wear one. It's what I do, in order to keep other people safe.

Doctors are far to busy than to be writing letters to say why people can’t wear masks.

I don’t buy the claustrophobia reason tbh. I’ve got severe claustrophobia and can not get in a lift. Have avoided it for years. Can’t stand public enclosed toilets as they’re too enclosed, hate flying...etc

I can understand those with breathing difficulties as that’s a physical barrier.

They have to put a copy of your exemption in their risk assessment so, if the HSE come they can demonstrate they are complying with being Covid secure in the workplace.

I am not in the uk, but here occupational health, i.e. payed by the employer discusses exemptions with the colleagues who might not be able to wear a mask.
would that be something they can do?

Could you rearrange your team and sit behind the till for the majority of the shift then, behind a Perspex screen or similar?

@FusionEsque Are you able to wear one of the plastic visors instead? That might be a suitable compromise for your work?

I work 9 hour shifts in retail and it’s compulsory to wear a face mask and a visor at all times apart from my 30 minute lunch break 😓 it’s definitely not very comfortable! I’m currently 35 weeks pregnant and am really starting to struggle as I’m pretty short of breath at this stage of pregnancy anyway without adding the mask and visor into the mix 😂 decided just to pull my holidays and mat leave forward a couple of weeks and finish up early.