BBC News reported the Governments announcement yesterday that all of England’s Plan B measures will come to an end from next Thursday, with work from home guidance ending immediately.
The Government made the following changes to the current guidance:-
- Face masks will no longer be compulsory in indoor public spaces from 27 January
- Covid passes will no longer be mandatory for entry to nightclubs and other large venues from 27 January
- Face masks will no longer be compulsory for secondary school pupils from 20 January
- The guidance to work from home has now ended
The only measure currently still in place is the legal requirement to self-isolate if you test positive for Covid-19. This restriction is due to expire on 24 March. The Government has said that it is expected there will be no need to renew the requirement to self-isolate after this date, and suggested this could be brought forward if the data allows.
In his announcement, the Prime Minister said that scientists believed the Omicron wave had peaked nationally. He still urged people to continue taking steps to keep the virus at bay, including handwashing, ventilating room, and self-isolating if you test positive for the virus.
What does this mean for employers?
Employers may need to consider what a return to the office means for them and their employees.
Employers may still need to consider what measures they need to put in place to ensure their workplace is safe for their employees. As mask-wearing is still compulsory until 27 January, employers may wish to provide guidance to their employees regarding this.
As the requirement to self-isolate, if positive still applies, employers could expect to see some staff absences after a return to the office. Employers should consider any need to plan for this and report methods of positive cases between employees.
How can Nelsons help
Charlotte Dowdy is a Trainee Solicitor at Nelsons.
For advice on or further information in relation to the subjects discussed in this article, please contact Charlotte or a member of our expert Employment Law team in Derby, Leicester or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.
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