LONG COVID sufferers are experiencing unfair treatment in the workplace, with some even being forced out of their jobs, shocking new TUC research published today reveals.

Almost a quarter of those polled by the union body’s long Covid support employment group said bosses have questioned whether they have the poorly understood condition, which can cause muscle pain, fatigue, brain fog and other serious conditions.

One in seven — 14 per cent — of the more than 3,000 workers consulted reported losing their job because of reasons connected to the illness, nearly triple 2021’s figure.

Almost a third are concerned that long Covid has affected their promotion chances, and about a sixth — 16 per cent — have suffered bullying and harassment.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak warned that workers with the disease were being “badly let down.

“Many are the key workers who carried us through the pandemic — yet now some are being forced out of their jobs and too many are relying on foodbanks just to get by.  

“Ministers must make sure all workers with long Covid have the legal right to reasonable adjustments so they can stay in their jobs.”

Almost half of those polled said that they have been denied basic mitigating measures to manage fluctuating symptoms, such as flexible working or permission to take longer or more frequent breaks. 

Mr Nowak repeated his calls for coronavirus to be classed as an occupational disease to “allow workers who contracted Covid-19 at work to claim the compensation they deserve.”

He also urged ministers to ensure bosses recognise long Covid sufferers as disabled under the 2010 Equality Act.