Around 3.8 million extremely clinically vulnerable people in England have been advised that, as from next month, they will no longer need to shield and can return to the workplace, if they are not able to work from home.
Public Health England has said that those classed as extremely clinically vulnerable will begin receiving letters from today (Thursday, 18th March) which provides updated shielding guidance.
In addition to stating that those classed as extremely clinically vulnerable no longer need to shield, the letter also advises workers that they will no longer be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or other similar benefits as from next month if they are not able to work on the basis of being advised to shield. Although, they may qualify for these financial support measures if they fall ill, and could be eligible for the furlough scheme, which has been extended until the end of September 2021.
The letter goes on to recommend that clinically extremely vulnerable people should continue to take additional precautions from Covid-19 after 1st April, which includes working from home, if possible, and following social distancing measures.
The Deputy Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Jenny Harries, commented on the revised guidance:
“With the prevalence of the virus in the community continuing to decrease now is the right time for people to start thinking about easing up on these more rigid guidelines,
“If you have been shielding, we strongly urge you to take extra precautions following 1 April to keep yourself as safe as possible, such as continuing to observe social distancing and working from home.
“We will continue to monitor all of the evidence and adjust this advice should there be any changes in infection rates.”
The reason for the change in guidance is as a result of the fall in the Covid-19 infection rate and the continued roll out of the vaccine programme, which has seen more than nine in 10 clinically extremely vulnerable persons having already received their first dose of a vaccine.
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Laura Kearsley is a Partner in our expert Employment Law team.
If you would like any advice in relation to the subjects discussed in this article, please contact Laura or another member of the team in Derby, Leicester or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form.