Returning to Work after COVID 19

While the UK Government has stated that those who can work from home should continue to do so for as long as possible, it has also reinforced the message that if people are unable to work from home, they should be encouraged to go to work - provided they can follow the now familiar health and social distancing guidelines.

Returning to the workplace

It's important that employers talk to staff as early as possible about when they can return to the workplace. Staff should continue to work from home if they can. Planning to return to work Employers should ‘consult’ with staff (ask for and consider their views to try and reach an agreement) about returning to work. This includes:

• trade union representatives

• employee representatives

• health and safety representatives

Employers should also check any agreements they have with a trade union or employee representatives to see if they must formally consult.

Employees and workers should be ready to return to work at short notice, but employers should be flexible where possible.

Making the workplace safe

Employers must make the workplace as safe as possible for staff, customers and anyone else who visits. To do this employers must:

• encourage staff to work from home, wherever possible

• do a 'risk assessment' to identify what might cause harm and take reasonable steps to prevent it

• follow the government guidelines on working safely during coronavirus on GOV.UK