Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 'COPD'

Our team of Employment solicitors consists of dedicated specialists and lawyers who deal exclusively with employment law. The team have over 30 years’ experience collectively and have wide, in-depth knowledge of all employment matters and disputes.

You can be assured Lawson-West’s solicitors keep up to date with the latest legal developments and changes to bring you the best advice.

Lawson-West’s expert employment solicitors and lawyers have significant experience of dealing with employees who face discrimination based on suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 'COPD' is a long-term illness that makes breathing difficult and might have an impact on your working life at some point. Your doctor can help you decide whether your working environment is affecting or likely to affect your lung condition or if your current job is too strenuous.

In addition, if you are exposed to gas, fumes or dust at wok, it may be necessary to request modifications or to change to a different job.

If your condition affects your ability to work, it is advisable to talk to your employer who may be able to make reasonable adjustments that make it easier for you to do your job such as:

• Providing a parking space that is near to the entrance
• Moving your workstation closer to the entrance
• Allowing you to work from home some or all of the time
• Providing adequate ventilation
• Providing a dust and fume free environment
• Allowing you flexibility to attend doctors’ appointments e.g. by starting later on those days
• Letting you know in advance if any work will be taking place in your working area that will cause dust or fumes e.g. building or cleaning work.

Your employer can get advice and support about making adjustments to the workplace from the government’s Access to Work scheme. They should also consult thoroughly with you to fully understand what your condition involves and what they can do to help. 

Making a claim

If your employer does not consult with you, carry out the necessary checks and investigations and make any reasonable adjustments required, your work may suffer. In some circumstances you may find that you are dismissed on the basis that you are unable to carry out the role. If this is the case then you may be entitled to claim against your employer for disability discrimination.

There is no minimum length of employment required to bring a claim at the Employment Tribunal, but it is important to lodge your claim with ACAS within 3 months of the act of discrimination occurring. It is therefore essential that you take legal advice on your situation at an early stage and as soon as possible. 

If you’re an employee facing discrimination at work due to suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, we can help. Please remember there are strict time limits in Employment claims and you should take good free legal advice as soon as possible.

In addition to No Win No Fee, Lawson-West solicitors act for our clients on a variety of other funding arrangements including Legal Expenses insurance funding. We can assess your case to decide which is the best funding option for you.

With offices in Leicester, Wigston and Market Harborough our employment solicitors and lawyers can discuss your employment law claim at any of our branches. In addition, we are a national provider of expert employment law advice and welcome a free discussion with you regarding your circumstances and potential claim.

If you believe you have a situation where you require free legal advice, please contact us on telephone 0116 212 1000 or 01858 445 480, alternatively fill in the free Contact Us form and we will get in touch as soon as possible.

 

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)