And so finally we see the light at the end of the devastating period of Covid-19. Whether you have lost someone to the virus or suffered from it yourself, to a greater or lesser extent we have all been affected in some way.
We are now moving into the era of “living with Covid” and the lifting of the last remaining restrictions. Twice-weekly asymptomatic testing is no longer advised, contacts are no longer required to self-isolate or take daily tests and contact tracing is no longer needed. There is a possibility of future variants or local outbreaks that see the temporary reintroduction of some measures and all schools are required to have a contingency plan in place. However, for now, schools are asked to continue with “appropriate” cleaning measures, good levels of ventilation, hand and respiratory hygiene.
Previously the government introduced a series of special dispensations, concerning those suffering from COVID-19, and subsequently being absent from work because they are sick and have a legal requirement to self-isolate. This will now be changing. From the 24th March 2022, the pay provisions currently put in place will be stopped. Instead those suffering from COVID-19 will have to apply under regular Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). For example, The day-one pay eligibility for COVID-19 will not occur. As the government stipulates in its ‘COVID-19 RESPONSE: LIVING WITH COVID-19’ publication, “Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will no longer be payable from day 1 if people are unable to work because they are sick or self-isolating due to COVID-19. Pre-pandemic SSP rules will apply”.
It is important to note that whilst it is no longer a legal requirement to isolate if you contract Covid, you are currently still strongly advised to do so to limit the spread. You should test from 5 days after your symptoms start (or a positive result if asymptomatic) until you have 2 negative test results or have reached 10 days. At this point you are no longer considered infectious. Those with symptoms should have a PCR test but those who already have a positive lateral flow test are not required to have a PCR test.
Those who were previously considered clinically extremely vulnerable are now no longer considered at greater risk from contracting covid, largely due to the vaccination programme, however there are exceptions to this, typically those who are immunosuppressed for whom the vaccination may not be so effective. Those considered at greater risk of serious harm from contracting covid have been sent a home testing PCR kit. Identifying the virus at an early stage enables them to access new treatments to help minimise the impact of Covid on their health. This may be coupled with advice from a medical specialist which is specific to the medical condition of the individual. Such advice may include (but not be limited to) continuing with face covering and even working from home where possible.
As an employer, as previously mentioned, the requirement to continue with the same measures no longer remains. Your risk assessment is likely to be much reduced in light of this. As with any change, share this with your staff and invite feedback about any specific or individual concerns they may have. If you are asked to consider additional adjustments for those who have specific medical needs then you may need sight of this guidance. To help you to further understand how this translates to your workplace and how to move forward then a referral to an occupational health practitioner would be advisable. We can provide this service for you, contact our team on 01924 827869 for further details.
It is possible that you may now decide to include Covid absences in your triggers for absence management, if you haven’t done already. Again, if this is a change to your practice, communicate this to your employees to ensure it doesn’t come as a surprise. As always, make sure you undertake return to work meetings to highlight any concerns and/or discuss any ongoing support measures.
If you have any Covid or any other HR issues that you need support with, why not get in touch to see how we can be of help. You can contact us here or call the team on 01924 827869.
