Employers will once again be thinking about managing Covid-19 in their workplace following the changes set out by the government this week in the Living with Covid-19 plan. So, what is it helpful to know?
Living with COVID-19 Plan
From 24th February
- The legal requirement to self-isolate following a positive test will be replaced with guidance to stay at home. Those who test positive will continue to be advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for at least five full days and then continue to follow the guidance until they have received two negative test results on consecutive days. This advice will remain in place until 1st April.
- Employees are no longer legally required to tell their employer if they need to self-isolate, although employers can still request that they do so.
- Routine contact tracing will end and contacts will no longer be required to self-isolate or take daily tests.
From 24th March
- The special Covid-19 sick pay provisions will end. Employees with Covid-19 will still be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) subject to the normal rules, but the day one eligibility for sick pay for those who test positive will no longer apply.
From 1st April
- Free PCR and lateral flow tests will no longer be available for most people.
- New guidance will replace the Working Safely guidance and set out the ongoing steps that people with COVID-19 should take to minimise contact with other people.
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION
Navigate the complexities of Employment Law with our commercial advice.Click HereBuild a bespoke interactive course for your management team, covering key HR areas.Click HereAvoid unnecessary wastage of management time with our professional help when defending tribunal claims.Click Here
Previous slide
Next slide
What approach should I consider?
You should consider the approach your organisation will take to managing Covid-19 in light of the staged changes, your particular workplace and any updated government guidance that becomes available.
As part of this, steps employers are likely to need to take will include:
- Considering whether any changes to company policies, procedures or contracts may be required – be aware consultation with employees may be needed
- Communicating with employees
- Being alert to employee relations issues such as employee concerns about workplace safety
- Being mindful of the duty of care to employees, thinking about employee rights such as discrimination and the duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees
- Seeking advice on the facts of your situation before taking action
If you would like advice on an employment law matter, please do not hesitate to contact us.
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION
Set your standards and expectations through tailored policies, recognising your business ethos.Click HereApproach poor performance with target driven processes to achieve a desirable outcome for your business.Click HereManage requests for reduced hours or hybrid working, in line with what works best for you.Click Here
Previous slide
Next slide
Bespoke Contracts of Employment for ultra protectionClick HereAbsence Management Support for sensitive situationsClick HereHas an employee’s recent behaviour warranted disciplinary action?Click Here
Previous slide
Next slide
Receive Legal Updates
Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter
Notifications about changes in Employment Law Legislation, HR News, and service offers.
Read our privacy policy