As you will all have heard, Boris Johnson has announced that guidance to work from home where you can, will end on Wednesday 26 January 2022. For some employers, this is very welcome news as they have been keen to return to “business as usual” for a while. For others, they have found that home working works well for their business and would like it to continue more permanently. There are also employees who have enjoyed working from home and are reluctant to return. We anticipate that employers will see a rise in flexible working requests as a result.
If you need any support with encouraging staff to return to the office, changing terms to encourage more working from home going forward, or dealing with any new flexible working requests, please do get in touch and one of our team can help support your business through the process.
Self-isolation following positive Covid test cut to 7 days in certain circumstances
The Government has announced that people infected with Covid in England can stop self-isolating up to 3 days early if they test negative twice using a lateral flow test on day 6 and day 7. This change applies to everyone regardless of vaccination status and applies immediately. Anyone ending their isolation on day 7 is strongly advised to limit contact with vulnerable people, not visit crowded or poorly ventilated spaces and work from home if they can.
Anyone still experiencing symptoms must not end their isolation early.
People who are not double-jabbed and come into close contact with a positive case must still isolate for a full 10 days.
If you have any queries on how this might impact on your workforce, please do get in touch.
Update on fit notes – employees can now self-certify for 28 days before needing a fit note
To ease the burden on GPs over the Christmas period, employees can self-certify sickness for up to 28 days (previously 7 days) where they are sick on or before 26 January 2022. They will only need to obtain a fit note from their GP if they have been ill for more than 28 days and have taken sick leave. This includes non-working days, such as weekends and bank holidays. Commentators have said they believe the measure may be extended, so watch this space.
If anyone has any questions regarding this change, please do get in touch.
Have a fabulous Christmas and New Year
Bradshaw Trees Law