Update on the Employment Rights Bill: Important changes to unfair dismissal
Update on the Employment Rights Bill, including the removal of day-one rights, a new six-month qualifying period, and potential compensation changes.
Read More
Insight
The Government has recently announced the removal of Plan B COVID-19 measures which means that:
Whilst the Government are easing legal restrictions, their advice remains to be cautious and to remember that COVID-19 remains at a high level in society and a threat to public health. Although no longer compulsory, the Government’s advice remains, for example, to continue to wear a face covering in crowded and indoor spaces where individuals meet with others they would not normally meet.
In a similar vein, the easing of restrictions does not mean that employers should revert to pre-pandemic ways of operating.
Employers still have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all of their employees. Whilst COVID-19 remains prevalent in society, the associated risks should continue to be factored into health and safety considerations.
Indeed, the Government’s guidance on working safely during COVID-19 (which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-covid-19) confirms that employers should continue to assess the risk associated with COVID-19 both generally and specifically as part of any decisions to ask staff to return to the workplace where they have otherwise been working from home. These assessments should be recorded by way of a risk assessment, whether that be a separate COVID-19 risk assessment or the relevant risks be incorporated into the employer’s standard health and safety risk assessment.
Where employers deem there is a risk associated with COVID-19, appropriate prevention measures should be implemented.
These measures might include (but will not be limited to):
Updated guidance on safe ways of working in light of the removal of Plan B restrictions is due to be published shortly, and whilst the Government hope to remove any remaining restrictions so that life can return to normal in March 2022, the current guidance remains to be cautious and for employers to take steps to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of staff.
Contact Us
For expert advice on employee welfare during COVID-19 and beyond, call 01332 226 155 or fill in the form below.
Related Services
Knowledge
On Monday 29 September, Flint Bishop successfully completed the acquisition of the entire business of Lupton Fawcett LLP. You have been forwarded to the page most relevant to your visit.
Please feel free to explore our website and learn more about our legal services and professionals, including those who have recently joined us from Lupton Fawcett.