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COVID-19 Guidance for Employers

Health and Safety Executive Publishes Revised Advice for Workplaces

On 31 March 2022, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published revised advice to workplaces regarding COVID-19.  We take a look at the revised guidance and other steps employers can take to reduce the spread of respiratory infections in the workplace. The revised advice follows the relaxation of COVID-19-related measures across the UK. The advice

Regulations on Mandatory Vaccination in Care Homes Amended

On 6 January 2022 changes to the mandatory vaccination requirement that currently applies to care home workers in England under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 were implemented. The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) (No. 2) Regulations 2022 (SI 2022/15) were made on 6 January 2022 and implement changes

Legal Implications on Returning to Offices as Lockdown Restrictions Ease

As lockdown restrictions continues to ease across the UK, we consider the legal implications for employers on workers returning to offices and the steps they should be taking to mitigate risks. The Easing of Lockdown Restrictions As Coronavirus continues to impact the day-to-day operations of businesses across the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced

Implications for Employers Due to the Delay in the Easing of Lockdown Restrictions

Emerging from Lockdown – Guidance for UK Employers

The long-awaited exit from lockdown has been delayed, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning a spike in cases of the Delta (Indian) variant could lead to a surge in hospitalisations.   COVID-19 Restrictions Continue to Impact UK Businesses On Monday 14 June 2021, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the full easing of all lockdown restrictions

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) Extended to 30 September 2021

Is Furlough a Route to Redundancy?

In his Spring 2021 Budget, the Chancellor announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will be extended for a further five months from May until the end of September 2021. Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the scheme – which pays 80% of employees’ wages for the hours they cannot work in the pandemic – would

Can an employer require employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19?

COVID Vaccine

In a recent survey 23% of employers said they plan to require staff to be vaccinated, but can employers impose a mandatory vaccination requirement on their employees? The Law on Mandatory Vaccinations Although current legislation (the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 and the Coronavirus Act 2020), already gives the UK Government and devolved

Impact of Tougher COVID-19 Restrictions for Employers

Following today’s announcements by the UK Government and Scottish Administration, we consider the workplace issues in connection with the increased COVID-19 restrictions, including the impact on non-essential offices. What About Non-Essential Offices? In short, a move to stricter Level 4++ restrictions should NOT impose any new restrictions that prevent non-essential offices from continuing to operate as they

England Introduces Tougher National Lockdown Restrictions

This evening Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation to confirm tougher lockdown restrictions will be introduced across England with effect from midnight 4 January 2021, suggesting England could “steadily” move out of the national lockdown from mid-February. Tougher Lockdown Restrictions in England Most areas of England are already subject to strict tier 4 restrictions

Scotland Introduce Even Tougher Lockdown Restrictions

Emerging from Lockdown – Guidance for UK Employers

In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish First Minister has announced that effective from midnight 4 January 2021, Scotland will be subjected to even tougher lockdown restrictions. As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rises to record levels, fuelled mainly by a new more transmissible variant of the virus, even tougher lockdown restrictions