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How has 'Freedom Day' impacted employers?

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How has Freedom Day impacted employers?

A couple of weeks on from ‘Freedom Day’ on the 19th July and we are already seeing the effects of restrictions being eased.

Workplaces are that bit busier, facemasks have become a little less prevalent and the self-isolation rules are due to change later this month after a few weeks of ‘pingdemic’ chaos.

For employers, there remains a lot to consider in the wake of ‘Freedom Day’, least of all if and how to return staff to the workplace safely.

Chris Dobbs discusses the impact that 'Freedom Day' has had on employers, as covid considerations and responsibilities shift back to individuals and businesses.

What is the latest Government Guidance for employment?

The latest guidance places workplaces in one of six categories highlighting advice and guidance for various workplace settings and sectors. Broadly, however, the guidance which is consistent across these sectors is that:

  • All businesses can reopen and the instructions to ‘work from home if you can’ is no longer Government guidance
  • Social distancing guidelines are no longer legally required though employers are advised to consider suitable steps to manage the risk
  • Health and safety obligations remain in place and employers must still risk assess and implement appropriate measures where deemed necessary

What COVID responsibilities do employers now have?

The change in strategy by the Government signalled a major shift in responsibility back on individuals and businesses.

This naturally comes with its own problems as employers must now balance the need to protect staff and clients/customers with employee’s other rights.

The less serious the risk of coronavirus, arguably the less need there is for restrictive workplace measures and yet the virus remains a significant threat to a great many people.

Employers will be faced with questions in the coming weeks and months about:

  • Staff returning to the office
  • Ongoing workplace restrictions such as social distancing and mask-wearing
  • Testing and compliance with self-isolation rules including from foreign travel

What risk management steps should employers take during COVID?

Employers should still give serious consideration to maintain a certain level of covid-security in the workplace. This is likely to mean reminding staff of the need to observe a degree of social distancing and, in some situations, mask-wearing.

The position on vaccinations remained unchanged and until such time as a case has been decided on actual policies, our advice remains that vaccines should be actively encouraged in most businesses rather than mandated.

How should work patterns be considered going forward?

Flexible and hybrid working are both ongoing considerations for businesses largely accelerated by the necessity of the pandemic.

A reduction in the number of people in the workplace will certainly help with ensuring businesses remain covid-secure but the introduction of flexible and hybrid work patterns both require their own serious consideration.

A specialist employment solicitor’s view

Chris Dobbs says: “The relaxation in covid restrictions means that responsibility for keeping people safe has passed very much back to individuals and businesses.

Employers will still be at risk of claims relating to insecure workplaces. With that in mind, we would continue to advise routine and ongoing risk assessment in the workplace.

At a minimum, this will help mitigate the outcome of any claim.”

Employment law advice and guidance: Stay up to date

Throughout the pandemic, our team of bright lawyers have been publishing guidance on the ever-changing regulations. The timely updates are published on our website in plain English and shared on our social media channels.

To be the first to hear about any updates, you can register for our free newsletter (and choose the topics you want to hear about) here.

Employment solicitors in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Ringwood

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The content of this article, blog or video is not intended as specific legal advice. For tailored assistance, please contact a member of our team.

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