The corona virus is now spreading in Germany. What precautions can you take yourself that your boss cannot refuse?
- With the rapid spread of the coronavirus *, the fear of the pathogen also increases.
- Many people therefore try to minimize the risk of infection .
- To what extent can your boss restrict you?
The number of people infected with the coronavirus is increasing rapidly. At the same time, the resulting lung disease is causing more and more deaths . Fear among the population increases accordingly, and the question of which protective measures can be taken is increasing.
In places with many people, the risk of infection is particularly high, which applies above all to your own workplace. Is that why you can insist on home office or even refuse to work?
Fear of coronavirus: can you refuse business trips?
Particularly problematic workers are likely to see any business trips in severely affected regions. But can they simply be rejected? Dr. In an interview with the Legal Tribune Online portal, Burkard Göpfert, specialist lawyer for labor law, reveals that a refusal is justified if there is a specific travel warning from the Federal Foreign Office or another agency. The employment law blog Kliemt.Arbeitsrecht also mentions previous illnesses of the employee as sufficient reason to refuse a trip. If all of these points do not apply, a refusal is generally not permitted.
Likewise, you cannot simply refuse to work with colleagues for fear of being infected. The only exception : there are tangible indications that the team partner has become infected.
Read also : Business trips - When does the arrival count towards the working time?
Can you insist on home office to minimize the risk of infection with the corona virus?
Ultimately, the employer still decides whether or not you can work in the home office - also in view of the increasing risk of infection with the corona virus *. If the boss sees the situation as too critical, working from home is quite conceivable. Anyone who does not show up at work without the consent of their superiors could face warnings or dismissal .
Also interesting : You are entitled to these things if you work in the home office.
Can I refuse to work for fear of the virus?
Since home office * is not an option without permission, the question answers itself: No, the fear of infection is not a sufficient reason to stay away from work. According to Dr. Burkard Göpfert would be justified to refuse if a company with demonstrably infected employees ignores any protective measures , even if authorities suggest this. Otherwise, it may also be a warning or a notice by a refusal to work.
Find out more : When does a "no" count as a refusal to work?
Video: Corona virus - what we know about the virus
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