In Depth

Low mood – a reasonable excuse to ignore coronavirus restrictions

Fiction: Feeling sad and low is reasonably to be expected of us all. Piers Morgan is right that we just have to put up with it. Law: “To avoid injury or illness or to escape a risk of harm” is a ‘reasonable excuse’ exemption within most of the coronavirus restrictions. Government suggested lanyards and badges …

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Time to blow the whistle on shops

Fiction: Employees have to wear a mask if their employer tells them to. Law: Wearing of face covering is not required by law, nor even government guidance, in ordinary situations such as supermarkets, shops and offices. It is not just employees with disabilities who have special legal protection. Any employee who objects can give themselves …

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Risk assessments: an important chink in the lockdown armour

Fiction: Health and safety obligations require social distancing measures to be imposed in the workplace and businesses generally. Law: Guidance is generally unenforceable but, as a matter of legal obligation, employers and controllers of premises are required to undertake evidence-based health and safety risk assessments. If there is no evidence of a significant danger, no …

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Devolution confusion

Fiction: It’s not confusing at to have separate legislation for Wales.  (Okay, only those who promote devolution think this.) Law: Anyone looking at law in Wales has to consider UK legislation.  Anyone looking at UK/English legislation has to look at Wales legislation if they if they may be travelling to or dealing with someone in …

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