As non-essential retail has now re-opened, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) are reminding shop-owners and other service providers that implementing blanket policies barring people from accessing services without a face covering is likely to be discriminatory.
The EHRC fully support businesses putting policies in place to keep the public and their staff safe. However, exemptions from the legal requirement to wear masks in enclosed public areas exist for people with legitimate reasons.
These include people who cannot wear a mask due to physical or mental health conditions or people assisting someone who needs to lip read. Not applying these exemptions could place some people at a disadvantage and be considered a failure to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010.
Read the simple four-step guide for retailers which reminds them of their legal obligations and what they need to do to ensure that disabled customers can access their services during the pandemic.
For further information please visit the EHRC website.