Until Monday 19 July, the current workplace advice remains in place, which requires employers to take all reasonable steps to help people work from home. Those who cannot work from home and whose workplace has not been told to close, should go to work.
As at Monday 19 July gov.uk guidance on COVID-19 states the following:
“…cautious guidance for individuals, businesses and the vulnerable whilst prevalence is high including: whilst Government is no longer instructing people to work from home if they can, Government would expect and recommend a gradual return over the summer.”
Demi Fawzi-Perrin comments:
"The decision by the Government to remove work from home guidance will not come as a surprise to many as the long awaited ‘freedom day’ draws closer. The Prime Minister stressed we cannot instantly revert to life as it was before COVID-19. It is important to continue managing transmission risk, cleaning processes and social distancing, wherever possible in workplaces. Employers should consult with staff and continue to operate clear procedures to ensure workplaces remain COVID-19 secure and comply with health and safety obligations.
Guidance from the Government is eagerly awaited to clarify what a ‘gradual return to work over the summer’ looks like."
To discuss the changing working place guidance or any COVID-19 employment issues in more detail, contact a member of the team here.
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