Updated shielding guidance in Scotland

By Louise Walker, Associate Director.

Following our JEL alert yesterday where we outlined that after 1 April 2021, shielding will no longer be required in England and Wales, the Scottish Government has updated its shielding guidance in anticipation of (and subject to) all level four areas in Scotland moving to level three (or lower) in the coming months.

The updated guidance sets out that individuals currently on the shielding list will be able to return to the workplace from 26 April 2021 and in the meantime, they should continue to work from home if they can. If these individuals cannot work from home between now and 26 April 2021, the guidance outlines that they should not return to work even if they have received one or two doses of the vaccine.

The guidance sets out that the Chief Medical Officer will be sending a letter to those currently on the shielding list in Scotland to confirm the updated advice. In addition, it outlines that the shielding notification letter will act as a fit note for sick pay purposes and will be valid until 30 June 2021, presumably subject to the current lockdown restrictions being eased and local restrictions where the individual works and/or studies being moved into a level 3 or lower area. The full guidance can be read here.

If you would like to discuss these changes or any other employment law matters further, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the team on 0141 331 5150.