Lockdown 2.0 and extension of the furlough scheme

Following the announcement of the new national restrictions which come into effect from 5^th November 2020, we look at the implications for employers of the new lockdown and in particular the extension of the furlough scheme during this period. Read more here. 

 

Health & safety

Whilst the normality of working life remains seemingly distant, the need for employers to prepare for life during and after corona is essential because the pandemic is likely to change working life as we know it.  Read more here.

 

Testing your workforce for Covid-19 

As workforces begin returning to offices, schools, shops and construction sites, employers are turning their attention to how best to keep their workforce safe. In addition to the practical return to work considerations which we have outlined here, one option which is being considered by employers is the possibility of workforce Covid-19 testing.   Read more here. 

 

Absence from work & pay

The Coronavirus situation may lead to workplace absences for a variety of reasons.  Read our summary of legal rights to pay and suggested best practice for different types of absence, which we will continue to update in the light of developments including further legislation and Government guidance.  Read more here.

Preparing a return to work strategy

With most and possibly all of their workforce having been confined to the safety of their homes we take a look at what business should be considering before staff return to the workplace. Listen to our suggestions to help protect the health and safety of your workforce, avoid the potential pitfalls and minimise your liabilities as a business. Read more here.

Returning to work

The Government has published a range of measures and recommendations to support employers re-opening their workplaces after the lockdown and to facilitate employees returning to work.  Read more here. 

 

How to get through returning to work

This webinar focuses on issues that employers are likely to face now that we are entering the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Watch here.

 

FAQ’s

Many employers have questions about returning to work.  Our employment team answer common questions including: ‘Do we need to pay sick pay to someone with symptoms of Coronavirus?’, ‘How do we handle employees who do not want to come to work?’ and ‘What should I do about an employee who has children at home due to school closures?’.  Read more here.

Getting the redundancy process right

Many companies are now turning their attention to thinking about not only the survival but also the regeneration of their business following the huge disruption caused by COVID 19.   Read more here. 

How will it work and will it be effective?

The new Job Support Scheme (JSS), which was due to start on 1^st November 2020, has been delayed until the expiry of the extended furlough scheme. Now that the furlough scheme has been further extended until 31^st March 2021, it appears that the JSS will not be introduced earlier than April 2021.

Read more here. 

Maintaining data security when homeworking

Remote working is not a new concept. Over recent decades there has been a marked increase in the number of employees using their own personal devices for work purposes. While this trend could be said to be driven in part by businesses trying to reduce overheads and capital expenditure, there are also a growing number of employees who are looking to their employers to enable them to use their own devices for work purposes for reasons of flexibility and user preference.  Read more here.

 

Tips for successful homeworking

With the outbreak of Coronavirus- COVID-19, more employees than ever are now working from home for the foreseeable future. For many this will be a new method of working that will fast become the norm. It is key during this uncertain time that businesses continue to operate as normally as possible. Read more here.

In this section, we have carefully selected some insightful content from experts in their field to share with you. NB: this content will open in a new window.

8 Ways Managers Can Support Employees’ Mental Health

Uncertainty breeds anxiety, and we are living in uncertain times.  This Harvard Business Review article suggests ways in which managers can support their employees’ mental health.  Read more here

 

In this section, we have carefully selected some insightful content from experts in their field to share with you. NB: this content will open in a new window.

To emerge stronger from the COVID-19 crisis, companies should start reskilling their workforces now

Even before the current crisis, changing technologies and new ways of working were disrupting jobs and the skills employees need to do them.  Read more here.

In this section, we have carefully selected some insightful content from experts in their field to share with you. NB: this content will open in a new window.

Why diversity and inclusion is important

Diversity and Inclusion Specialist, Charlotte Sweeney OBE shares her expert advice to help leaders ensure that diversity and inclusion remains high on their agenda throughout each stage of the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.  Read more here