Government Confirms That Shielding Employees Can Return To Work From 1st August

Last week, it was confirmed by the Government that from 1^st August people who have been required to “shield”, as they are clinically extremely vulnerable, will be able to return to the workplace.

This was confirmed as a result of the news that those shielding will be able to leave their homes from August and will consequently mean that the estimated 2.2 million people who have been shielding since 21^st March will be able to return to their workplace, if they are not able to work from home and their workplace is COVID-secure. Strict social distancing measures will need to be adhered to and will replace the shielding measures that are currently in place.

Further, from August, these employees will no longer be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for any further absence from work (unless they are sick or required to self-isolate).

Those who have been shielding since March will from 6^th July be able to meet up in groups of up to six people outdoors and will also be able to form a “support bubble” with other homes if they live alone.

As mentioned above, employers will need to ensure that their workplaces are safe for shielding employees to return to the workplace and must comply with the guidance published by the Government at the end of May.

Comment

This is likely to be welcome news to employers who need their staff back at work but it will be understandable if those who have been shielding are anxious about returning to work.  We recommend that employers start a dialogue with affected employees now so that they can reassure them and deal with any concerns in advance of the return to work.