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PA Enterprise
professionals - says there could be much greater Wales and Northern Ireland.
freedom and flexibility in how, when and where Regular lateral flow testing for Covid is already
people work in future. widespread in many sectors, and anyone in
“People generally want a mix of workplace England or Scotland can also order tests directly.
and home working, and the possibility of more There’s more detailed guidance for specific
choice in their working routines, meaning hybrid industries including construction, hospitality and
working can provide an effective balance for manufacturing.
many workers.”
Similar advice is available for employers in
The CIPD adds that the lifting of Covid Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
restrictions “shouldn’t signal a mass return to
workplaces,” and “it should be down to individual If employees feel unsafe, they can contact their
organisations, consulting with their people, to local authority, Citizens Advice or the Health and
agree working arrangements”. Safety Executive (HSE).
The HSE has carried more than 200,000
What does my employer have to do to keep me inspections to check companies are following
safe? Covid rules, and can force firms to take action if
Despite the removal of Covid restrictions in not.
England, businesses still have a legal duty to The CIPD says that employers should continue
manage risks to those affected by their business. to ensure they have the necessary measures in
The government’s Working Safely guidance still place to give confidence to workers that their
recommends that employers carry out health- workplace is safe.
and-safety risk assessments, and take reasonable “This can include changes to desk spaces, shift
steps to minimise the risks identified. patterns to help workers avoid busy times on
Some businesses may choose to keep some of public transport and use of one-way systems to
the measures they previously had in place, such reduce staff contact while the risk of infection
as: remains,” it says.
Minimising unnecessary visitors What are my rights if I am in a vulnerable
Ensuring social distancing group?
Frequent cleaning Previous advice that millions of “clinically
extremely vulnerable” people should shield, has
Extra hand washing facilities
now ended.
One-way systems to minimise contact
Many continue to work from home, but if your job
Using back-to-back or side-to-side working cannot be done remotely, your employer can ask
(rather than face-to-face) you to return to the workplace.
Staggering start/end times However, they still have a responsibility to
The legal requirement to wear a face covering in keep you safe, so you should raise any specific
England has ended. But government guidance concerns you have about going back.
says it “expects and recommends” the continued In addition, if you are disabled, your employer
wearing of masks in crowded areas such as public has an extra responsibility to make and pay for
transport. “reasonable adjustments”.
Masks remain compulsory on public transport
and in certain other circumstances in Scotland, BBC news
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