The Government has put out a request for feedback on the ‘Future of Covid-19 Guidance’. The request comes from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and their safer working team. As set out in COVID-19 Response: Living with COVID-19, the Government requests views from employers and businesses on the future approach to managing COVID-19 risk in the workplace. The deadline for having your say is 16th March, 5:00pm.
From 1 April, UKHSA will provide updated guidance to the general public to help individuals reduce the risks from COVID-19 to themselves and others. Subject to ministerial decisions, this guidance is likely to advise that people should stay away from the workplace if they are unwell with symptoms of a respiratory viral infection.
Rather than provide standalone guidance for employers from 1 April, we could ask employers to refer to this public health guidance to help inform their workplace policies, and consult with staff and unions on the measures they will take in the usual way. This will give employers the discretion to decide their own approaches in light of public health advice. What are the implications of this approach for your business? BVEP, of which EVCOM are a member, are encouraging your feedback generally, and also specifically around this question, by 17:00 Wednesday 16 March. Please send responses directly to safer.workplaces@beis.gov.uk
Source: BVEP
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