Please note: the legal advice given in this article is correct as of 08/01/21. As the coronavirus pandemic continues, government guidance is subject to change and, while we will do our best to give you up to date information, it is always advisable to speak with a solicitor for specific advice.
Boris Johnson has placed the UK on a third lockdown as the government seeks to stem the spread of coronavirus and the new variant.
The Government has instructed that people in England should stay at home apart from some specific limited reasons permitted in law.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated one of the exceptions to the above; is to go to work however only “if you absolutely cannot work from home.”
Current Guidance states that “you may only leave your home if you cannot reasonably work from home;” and “..where people cannot work from home, they should continue to travel to their workplace.” The Guidance also states that this is “essential to keeping the country operating and supporting sectors and employers.”
The Guidance also states that “Employers and employees should discuss their working arrangements and employers should take every possible step to facilitate employees working from home including providing suitable IT equipment to enable remote working.”
Of course, some employees are required to go to work and remain deemed essential workers; for example, NHS and social care staff; some public services such as courts and tribunals staff; education and childcare workers and those in local government.
Continued Government guidance is expected as the situation progresses. As always, we will keep you updated with this as and when the information is released.
Farleys Solicitors specialise in employment law & HR for employees and businesses. If you or your business requires HR & employment law advice and support in relation to the current Covid-19 / Coronavirus situation and/or in relation to any other specific area of employment law please do not hesitate to contact us on 0845 287 0939 or send your enquiry by email.
