Trade Union Reforms Resource Pack
Download expert guidance on UK trade union reforms and prepare your organisation for Employment Rights Act changes.
Read more
Following the recent announcement from the Government regarding the removal of Plan B measures meant to reduce the spread of COVID-19, our Employment team provides a useful update on employers’ duties relating to health, safety and welfare at work.
Employment|20 January 2022
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
Download expert guidance on UK trade union reforms and prepare your organisation for Employment Rights Act changes.
Read moreEmployment law tips for employers managing absence, flexibility and inclusion during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Read MoreGuidance for employers on managing workplace distraction, excessive phone use and digital overload at work.
Read MoreKey April 2026 changes to trade union recognition rules and what employers should do ahead of wider reforms later this year.
Read MoreGovernment consultation begins on NDA restrictions under the Employment Rights Act 2025, with changes expected from 2027.
Read MoreEmployers can voluntarily publish menopause and gender pay gap action plans from April 2026 ahead of the 2027 legal requirement.
Read MoreUnderstand SSP 2026 updates, employer responsibilities, and common pitfalls to keep your business compliant and protect staff rights.
Read MoreEAT confirms employers should assess redundancies forward-looking, not retrospectively, when deciding if collective consultation is needed.
Read MoreLearn the 2026 National Minimum Wage rates, common employer pitfalls, and how to stay compliant with new Fair Work Agency rules.
Read MoreERA 2025 reforms take effect February 2026, changing industrial action rules, employee protections, and union obligations.
Read MoreTuesday
25
March
Join us for breakfast and networking, followed by our expert speaker presentation, a roundtable discussion, and a Q&A session.
Book your placeWednesday
26
March
Employment law update on family leave rights for 2026. Practical guidance, new entitlements and live Q&A for employers.
Book your placeScroll to next section
Scroll back to the top
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.