Find answers to your questions on coronavirus (COVID-19) and our latest briefings.
Use the search bar or buttons below to explore the different sections. Our information is regularly updated with the situation is changing so frequently.
There are no excuses. The Government MUST get it right this time. They need to be clear, put safety first and get this country working again.
 and our latest briefings.
Use the search bar or buttons below to explore the different sections. Our information is regularly updated with the situation is changing so frequently.
There are no excuses. The Government MUST get it right this time. They need to be clear, put safety first and get this country working again.
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With all of the UK under ever tighter restrictions due to Coronavirus, GMB is more determined than ever to ensure that our members are safe and their jobs secure.
We want to see workplaces open where they can do so safely and where they can’t open safely for jobs to be safeguarded for better times in the future.
GMB's Safe Work and Secure Jobs Policy Statement
During the first lockdown many GMB members accepted less than perfect homeworking arrangements in a spirit of muddling through and make do and mend.
We now know we are in for a long haul where millions of people will be homeworking in the medium term, and at least until the widespread distribution of an effective vaccine.
In this situation of extended homeworking it becomes an abuse of goodwill by the employer to fail to put in place adequate systems to manage and support homeworking.
We think it’s time to ensure that all employers shoulder their fair share of the cost of homeworking.
Employers need to be reminded that we are doing them a favour by working from home. We are giving them space in our homes to run their business from.
The three areas GMB are concerned about are: Cost, Kit and Welfare.
The employer must bear all the costs of the move to homeworking.
That means the employer footing the bill for things like:
Best practice: If the employer is relying entirely on you using your own phone and your own personal computer/laptop/ tablet etc, then they should compensate you for the entire cost.
Did you know you might be entitled to tax relief of more than £100?
If you've been required to work from home - even if just for a day - since April 6th then you might be able to claim tax relief
Find out more and claim by clicking the button below
The employer must provide the right equipment, advice and support to work from home effectively, safely, and comfortably.
That means the employer must:
Best practice: the employer should work to the underlying principles contained in the Display Screen Equipment Regulations and not use the technical exemptions for laptops tablets etc. That means they should provide adequate equipment (including office furniture where necessary) to allow you to maintain good posture and ensure that you take regular breaks.
The employer must put in place effective support mechanisms to reduce stress and promote a good work/life balance.
That means the employer must:
