Return to Work post 2nd Lockdown

We have a little more clarity on what is going to happen once the lockdown ends at 2359 on 2nd December 2020 says Chris from Expert HR Solutions.  We will return to a regionalised three-tiered system, with employees who are able to do so being asked to continue working from home for the foreseeable future. It looks like that advice will stay in place until Easter 2021 Chris continues.

Sadly, although the Government has published its Winter Plan outlining in detail what each level involves there is no clarity as yet on which regions will be in which tiers, but this is expected on November 26th.

Although each tier contains more severe guidance than its predecessor Chris says it is less about the severity of the lockdown, and more about the complexity of the system, that could prove difficult for employers.  Even if you accept that a geographical approach, while complex, is the pragmatic thing to do the fortnightly review of the tier allocation and the blend of factors determining the tier level will make planning difficult.

While the regional tiered approach is broadly the same, the tiers themselves have undergone some changes. For example, pubs and restaurants will now be able to close at 11pm rather than 10pm where tier one and two restrictions apply, which is less restrictive than before. However, in his speech, Johnson said he expected many regions to go straight into the higher-level tiers, at least temporarily. The new approach does allow employers to take employees off furlough on both a full and part time basis. The amount of notice employers must give employees to do this depends on the furlough agreement for each employee.

The new tier system will continue to oblige employers and employees to be open-minded about work patterns and delivery. Employers will be required to focus on outcomes, rather than how and where work is being done. As always clear and honest communication is extremely important:

Chris advises that consideration should be given to treating returning staff almost like new employees particularly those who have been furloughed for a long time. Processes will have changed particularly because of Social Distancing so consider almost a full induction programme and certainly ensure that both organisational and individual risk assessments are conducted.

As always if you have any questions about this or any other employment issue, we are always happy to take your call says Chris, the call is both free and confidential.