New government guidance aimed at assisting employers, businesses and their staff has been released, as some businesses return to work.
All employees should be encouraged to work from home unless it is impossible for them to do so. Not everyone can work from home: certain jobs require people to travel to, from and for their work – for instance, to operate machinery, work in construction or manufacturing, or to deliver front line services.
For a summary of advice for employers and businesses in England to follow to protect their workforce and customers, whilst continuing to trade, including guidance on social distancing, hygiene, cleanliness, staff sickness advice and staying at home please visit here.
Overview:
- Businesses should make every possible effort to enable their staff to work from home as a primary option, where this is not possible, businesses should follow social distancing guidelines set out.
- Vulnerable members of staff should be supported in following guidelines set out by the government.
- Where social distancing guidelines cannot be followed businesses should consider whether the activity needs to continue in order for the business to operate and if so take all action possible to mitigate the risk of transmission between staff. Examples can be found here.
- Staff who are unwell with symptoms, they should not travel or attend the workplace. Any staff member who shows symptoms should be sent home and stay at home and follow the governments stay at home guidelines.
- Necessary hygiene actions should be implemented by businesses.
- Employers should use their discretion concerning the need for medical evidence for certification for employees who are unwell. This will allow GPs to focus on their patients.
- If evidence is required by an employer, those with symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) can get an isolation note from NHS 111 online, and those who live with someone that has symptoms can get a note from the NHS website For further information on the guidance and support available to your business please visit here.
Further information and guidance can be found on the government website here.
For further information on the support and guidance available to your business please visit our Coronavirus Business Support Hub.