In March 2022 the government told us that living with covid 19 is now necessary and that the covid restrictions were over. What does that mean in real terms? The pandemic has not left, cases are on the rise but the impact of CVOID appears to be lessening. The risks of infection are higher now but less life threatening.
The government suggested we need to take responsibility for ensuring our own safety. This means the rules the Government laid out are now no longer enforceable under the law. However the Governance of the work place, as a business owner, sits with you. What can you do to make sure your business is safe.
From the many discussions we have already had with clients on how to live with covid, we would suggest you carry out a risk assessment of your work place, identify high risk areas and put in place protective measures to keep people safe.
As of April 22 people can come to work with a positive test if they feel well enough. This means that one employee could literally infect everyone.
For positive test employees you have several options.
These are:
- Work from home.
- Work from an office that quarantine’s the employee from others taking extra measures around face masks, washing hands, safe distance etc.
- Take a daily lateral flow test to keep track on the risks
- Paid medical suspension.
Self-isolation and Sick pay have now gone for Covid Sufferers. We are back to the standard SSP programme for employees.
For everyone:
- Keep reminding employees for the risks and ask them to be mindful when out amongst the general public.
- Not to place themselves or anyone else at unnecessary risk.
- If you fall unwell take a lateral flow test.
- Keep up to date with your vaccine boosters.
Its easy to get complacent when you are fit and well, but its too late when you fall ill with a preventable disease.
You may find our blog on managing sickness absence useful
