Professional May 2020

COVID-19 news

Working at home THE ADVISORY, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) (www.acas. org.uk/working-from-home) advises employers to: ● talk to their employees and workers about how they might improve working from home arrangements ● continue to consider which roles and tasks can be done from home – this might involve doing things differently and not assuming a role cannot be based at home ● support employees to adjust to remote working ● consider individual employee’s needs, for example anyone with childcare responsibilities, a long-term health condition or a disability ● write down the arrangements that have been agreed so everyone’s clear. Employers are responsible for the health and safety of all employees, including those working from home. Although it’s very unlikely that during the coronavirus pandemic, employers can carry out usual health and safety risk assessments at an employee’s home, they should still check that: ● each employee feels the work they’re being asked to do at home can be done safely ● employees have the right equipment to work safely ● managers keep in regular contact with their employees, including making sure they do not feel isolated ● reasonable adjustments are made for an employee who has a disability. If changes are needed, employers are responsible for making sure they happen.

COVID-19 – A compilation of sources of information and advice THERE IS extensive information currently available online relating to the coronavirus outbreak in the UK, and how employers can help support their employees. To help direct employers, and employees, to relevant guidance, the CIPP’s policy and research team has compiled sources of information etc. (Please note that in the tables below lengthy URLs have been shortened to assist with typing.) The CIPP’s News Online , which is updated several times a day, provides the latest information: www.cipp.org.uk/resources/news.html . As the situation relating to coronavirus is continuously evolving – as is the guidance and the support measures that are being offered – it is advisable to frequently check for the latest position to ensure that you are as up-to-date and informed as possible.

Support available for employers and individuals Business support site

www.businesssupport.gov.uk/

https://bit.ly/34jgIB4 https://bit.ly/2R6yYIF

COVID-19 support for businesses Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

www.gov.uk/employers-sick-pay

Statutory sick pay (SSP) guide for employers Support for those affected by COVID-19

https://bit.ly/2JJJhOM https://bit.ly/3e1WqAx or https://bit.ly/39StKH3

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan

Steps employers should take to protect employees from the spread of COVID-19 and how individuals can protect themselves COVID-19: guidance for employees, employers and businesses https://bit.ly/2x1T549 COVID-19: guidance for employees https://bit.ly/2UNrInc Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do www.gov.uk/coronavirus Staying at home and away from others (social distancing) https://bit.ly/2UTHbT3 Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for employers and employees https://www.acas.org.uk/ coronavirus

https://bit.ly/3e1WqAx or https://bit.ly/39StKH3

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan

Information specific to devolved nations Information for individuals and businesses in Scotland

https://bit.ly/2V8e6Ca

Information for individuals and businesses in Wales https://bit.ly/2VnzzqX Information for individuals and businesses in Northern Ireland https://bit.ly/34jcQQF

Shielding and absences

● Shielding – If an employee receives a letter from the National Health Service telling them to start ‘shielding’, they should stay at home for at least twelve weeks. For more about shielding measures visit https://bit.ly/2RjSIc5. ● SSP – Employees and workers must receive any statutory sick pay (SSP) due to them if they need to self-isolate because they have coronavirus or coronavirus symptoms, or someone in their household has coronavirus symptoms, or they’ve been told to self-isolate by a doctor or NHS 111. Employees in self-isolation need to follow their workplace’s usual sickness reporting process. Employees can ‘self-certify’ for the first seven days off work.

| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | May 2020 | Issue 60 10

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